Topic: Removing Nighthawk alternator

[Laminar]

I need to pull the rotor/stator assembly out of my Nighthawk. There's a single 14mm bolt holding it all in - the Clymer manual suggestions putting the bike in 6th, holding the rear brake, and cranking on the bolt with a ratchet. If I do that, I give it so much force it just skips and the whole assembly rotates. I picked up an electric impact drill, and that can't rotate the assembly at all. I hit it with a bunch of liquid wrench, but it hasn't loosened at all. Suggestions?

[Laminar]

What are the odds that the bolt is right hand threaded?

[754]

I got a huge favor to ask.
 
If this is the one that is up & behind the cylinders. I have one I took off a NightHawk, cant remember how.. but am trying to mod onto another bike.

If you could pull off your timing cover and rotate the engine a bunch of times, & determine  how many times it turns to each engine turn. I am thinking it may turn at faster rate than the crank.

 I would be very grateful...

[bryanj]

Air impact wrench or snap on electric one NOT Drill

[Laminar]

I got a huge favor to ask.
 
If this is the one that is up & behind the cylinders. I have one I took off a NightHawk, cant remember how.. but am trying to mod onto another bike.

If you could pull off your timing cover and rotate the engine a bunch of times, & determine  how many times it turns to each engine turn. I am thinking it may turn at faster rate than the crank.

 I would be very grateful...

If I get a chance I'll take a look tomorrow.

[Laminar]

Air impact wrench or snap on electric one NOT Drill

The only problem is that that solution is a $300+ investment, and since I don't have a compressor or air tools, that's not an option for me.

[bryanj]

Trailer the bike to a tyre or bike shop?

[Laminar]

I found a local place that rents out air compressors and tools, so I'll have to give them a call.

[754]

You could try striking a wrench..

[Laminar]

You could try striking a wrench..

You mean hitting a wrench with a hammer? The problem is that the alternator rotates a little bit, so it cushions the hammer blow and negates the impact.

[754]

I guess you cant jam the gear with a rag, probably cant even see it.

It would only work if you have it in gear or something, and hit it it really quick, faster than it can turn. tricky and dangerous

 Wouldnt you want it in 1st gear, not 6th?

[Laminar]

I guess you cant jam the gear with a rag, probably cant even see it.

It would only work if you have it in gear or something, and hit it it really quick, faster than it can turn. tricky and dangerous

 Wouldnt you want it in 1st gear, not 6th?

I'd assume 6th is correct - it's easier to start the bike moving in 1st instead of 6th, because 6th gear is so high there's a lot of resistance to rotation. When trying to turn the alternator, I want as much resistance as possible, so 6th is good.

[Laminar]

I borrowed a little air compressor from my old roommate and bought an impact wrench/sockets from Home Depot. In approximately 1.4 seconds, the bolt was off.

[bryanj]

Get the long reach allen keys with square drive for the fork damper bolts----its just as easy

[Laminar]

How will long-reach allen keys help me with the 14mm bolt holding the rotor and stator on?

[kirkn]

...I think he means to buy one of those tools for when you want to overhaul the forks someday.    When combined with an air impact wrench, it makes short work of disassembling the damper rods.

But, congratulations on the job.  And the impact wrench will come in handy over and over, through the years to come.  At least, it has for me.  Next comes your OWN little compressor, maybe from Craigslist or a pawn shop or a garage sale or something, then comes.... then the next tool..... then the next...   

Pretty soon, you need a 3-car garage to hold it all!  At least, it did for me.    

[754]

Next time borrow an AIRPIG..

[kirkn]

 

OK, I give up.  What's an airpig?

I even Googled it, and didn't find anything that looked right...

    

[754]

Portable air tank..

Usually  around size of a water jug, it will take 3 or 4 car tires off.. on a 3/4 ton truck, it might take 2 tanks.. (just to give an idea how much time you get)

[bryanj]

Yeh sorry,what i meant to say was just as you found how easy it was to undo that awkward bolt with the air gun, its increadibly easy to do the same with them swines of allen bolts the hold the fork sliders on

[754]

Laminar,
 Did you get a chance to count rotor rpm vs engine rpm yet?

 Dont make me talk to Henrik..eh!     

[Laminar]

Just checked!

Five rotations of the crank = six rotations of the alternator

[754]

Thanks , I thought they turn faster, but no way for me to tell.