[rlajbsmith]

I just aquired this '95 GL1500SE. The alternator seems to not be charging. When I was taking it off, I noticed that there seems to be an extra condenser on the side. Looks like it is attached between the main terminal and the alternator case. Any idea why there could be a condenser mounted there? The square condenser is also on the alternator.

Also, I took the alternator apart to check the brushes. The brushes looked fine, but the contacts were dirty, so I cleaned them up and put it back together. I thought I could do a bench test with a drill on the main shaft nut but I have no reading between the main terminal (white) and the ground. Is there a trick to bench testing the alternator? On the other forums, people recommend taking to an alternator guy to check. Seems that it should be easy to test. Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks

 

[rlajbsmith]

I think that condenser on side is a noise filter like @DenverWinger mentions but not for stereo. It only comes on the SE models IIRC and is for the CB which also only comes stock on the SE.

Now as far as the alternators, there were several years where there was problems with the windings and they were prone to breaking and creating an open circuit/no charge condition. I remember there was a gentleman named Ken Heming who lived just outside Merrillville IN and was well known for his rebuilt and high output Goldwing alternators but unfortunately he passed away not too long ago. I remember talking with him and learned about the winding issue and I believe the 1995 was one that suffered from that. Bad windings and alternator needs to be replaced. It's quite possible that has happened to yours. OEM alternators are usually the best way to go but will set you back about $400 plus shipping. Don't forget to replace the rubber
spacers that fit between the front alternator vanes and engine coupler.

Honda 31100-MT2-015 - ALTERNATOR ASSY. (HITACHI) : MRCycles

www.mrcycles.com

Be very careful about the cheap aftermarket versions. I keep hearing nothing but problems over and over with those.

It appears that this alternator has been off before because there were rubber dampers missing between the engine and the altenator. One of the remaining dampers is broken. I'll need to replace them for sure. Any advice about a used unit from ebay? It may be risky but figured I could buy several OEM's for what a new one costs...

Some of the other forums were saying that the 1996 and newer were the alternators with the problems with the windings. This GL has 117k miles on it.

 

[rlajbsmith]

I couldn't recall the years with bad windings but you may be right with 96 or 97 on up. I knew it was a result of moving production from Japan. I can't give any advice on used alternators, that's a buyer beware thing and a roll of the dice. But I will offer advice on the rubber dampers. Make sure to replace all 4. Cyclemax sells a set of them:

Goldwing, GL1500, Alternator Dampeners, Honda, 13534-MN5-020

Goldwing, GL1500, Alternator Dampeners, Honda, 13534-MN5-020

cyclemax.com

When installing, the correct was is for the strap for each pair to face forward into the engine coupler and fit between the vanes inside the engine coupler. Then the vanes on the alternator fit in between each set. Some will install each set with straps on the rear over the vanes inside the engine coupler. Although it will probably work, that's not correct. It might actually make it more difficult fitting the alternator back in and that's hard enough as it is...

Thanks. I already ordered the dampers. Should be here in a week. Also, thanks for the advice about installing dampers.

 

[rlajbsmith]

Do the brushes move freely within their brush holders? The brushes on my 1996 GL1500SE filled with carbon dust and got stuck in the brush holders. The brushes did not make contact with the collector rings.

They move freely.

 

[rlajbsmith]

I just bought a used orignial alternator off a working bike. Working great now.