Sidecarist needs HELP

@ben-franklin  Now that looks the business, which one is best for my outfit 1995 Goldwing GL1500SE and escort sidecar

Removed the accessory panel from the battery. When i start up voltage is 12.85, Voltage was 13.35 before starting. When i rev the engine nothing changes. So i looked at the alternator and from the condition of the bolts it has been off before, so i removed the easy one and i am off to the store to get three new bolts and a nice slim wrench. There is a alternator rebuild place in town so i figure to see if they can fix it or is the best option a new one. OEM or something else?

Steve,

I would probably give an alternator shop a chance.  If they are around $100 or less, probably work out fine.

Don't know who is making good aftermarket brands, but it shouldn't be rocket science to make a decent alternator, these days 

Probably read a few reviews, if you go that route.

I only lightly researched alternators. Some things I READ are:

1. You get what you pay for. The cheapest last the shortest amount of time. But there's always the exceptions.

2. The compu-fire has the best reputation and most recommended but cost over $500. It is physically bigger. It's made out of a GM/Delco housing. 

3. The new OEM 40 amp are made in Chine and are not as good as the older 40 amp ones made in Japan. Seems like guys are having the Japan ones rebuilt. If China they go for the 90 amp aftermarket one.

4. If you go with a 90 amp you need an AGM battery or it will boil dry a lead acid. Not sure how your lithium would do?

5. If you have a lot of lights and accessories you would be better off with the 90 amp. Does your sidecar have electric lean? 

Like I said. I have NO experience with alternators. I'm repeating what I read. Hopefully the expierianced guys can chime in and confirm or deny what I wrote.

When you get that alt out take a pic of it and show to us. Where was it made? If it has a green band around it's probably stock OEM. But I think there was one company that upgraded those to a higher output. But I think it would have their label on it? 

Just wondering if you sprayed WD-40 in it like FlyingMonkeys suggested? Just wondering if it had any effect? But if you're going to have it rebuilt may not want to do that if you haven't all ready. It might hinder the shops diagnosis? But I'm guessing.

After more reading I found the LAcrical brand is also made from a Saturn alternator. I just read 2 stories where guys said they broke down out on the road with the compu-fire brand and LAcrical brand. Both were able to be repaired at local shops with on the self parts since they were basically car alternators.  No waiting on a rebuild kit.

Just sayin,,,,lol.

I'll let the experts take over from here.

You are making some serious progress for a guy that "hates electrical stuff".  Great work!  👍 

I've had positive experiences with local electrical rebuilders.  Normally the advice they have, based on experience, provides great results.  Haven't used a local shop for a Honda alternator, but have used them for AC, DC drive motors, Alternators, Starters, etc.. 

What I appreciated from the shops I've used is they look at the entire system (not just the individual component), and ask good questions before making a recommendation.

Another one of those "it's not what you know, but who you know" kind of things.  😎 

@scott-h I suppose i could send the alt to Ireland, grin =)It would give the drunken sailor something to do.... Apart from the bolts showing that the alt has been off i have no idea if its OEM etc. Either way its coming off. Likely tomorrow morning. Now if i can find someone to change the front tire i may just make the rally =)

Does the alt have a green band around it?

@calvin-watson  No so i will wait to find out. i have not heard good stories about cheap copies so i expect it will be a rebuild  or OEM. Yeah i did try the wd40 trick but nothing

Morning guys an Gals

The alternator is out on the bench YEAH ME =)

Looking at the space afterwards i can see where the drain lines get in the way. So my thought is reroute the drain lines to the other side of the metal pipe that goes into what looks like a hydraulic line, its at the top end of the space. This will leave the space free of any obstructions for refitting the alternator. or maybe just see if i can zip tie them out the way.

So to the Alt shop tomorrow or Tues with alt in hand and a winning smile maybe they will do it on the spot. New rubber do dads are on order. More luck than judgement is working just fine =)

Paws crossed for good fortune ahead.  Hoping you'll be able to make the rally.  😎 

@scott-h Well that's the plan. There is a Harley repair and parts store on the same corner as the Alt shop so who knows they might change the tire for me. Never knew it was there. Chemo Tuesday so that has to be dealt with and just maybe there is some really good news attached to that. i intend to take a couple of days riding to the rally at least that's the plan.

What brand is the alternator. Wouldn't it be nice if it was all ready a compu-fire, or at least a 90 amp.

@calvin-watson Not sure i think there is a part number i will look