Can I use a Pulse Generator from a GL1500 in my '85 GL1200A?

[brianinpa]

Something I learned a long time ago when I bought my Wing... listen to those that still ride and work on the model that I am asking the question about. Those are the ones that are keeping their Older Wings running and not trading them in on something newer and shinier and then trying to remember what it was that they did several years ago to fix a certain problem.

 

[MCVinnie]

brianinpa » Wed Jun 18, 2014 5:05 pm[/url]":2tlj0q94]
Something I learned a long time ago when I bought my Wing... listen to those that still ride and work on the model that I am asking the question about. Those are the ones that are keeping their Older Wings running and not trading them in on something newer and shinier and then trying to remember what it was that they did several years ago to fix a certain problem.

Believe it or not, that's exactly what I'm trying to do. I've been riding for about 35yrs and have never had a bike newer than 1986. I don't like feulies, or too much system electronics. I have learned to rely on the advise and expertise of others. The problem, just because they own and ride one, doesn't mean they KNOW what they are talking about. So, 4 or 5 different owners on differnet GL1200 forums tell you 2 or 3 different things and you need to sort through it. The only way to do that is by asking questions and stating what you have previously been told.

Eventually, the few that really do know thier stuff will float to the top. Then, I know who's opinion I can trust.

 

[Ansimp]

It is always good when you can see the proof in a topic with pictures and sometimes video!

 

[MCVinnie]

Ansimp » Wed Jun 18, 2014 8:24 pm[/url]":1g84ryps]
It is always good when you can see the proof in a topic with pictures and sometimes video!

That's exactly what I've been looking for but none seem to exist! I've come to the conclussion that no one has done this yet. I read a blog on one site about moding for the 1200 SE but with no replies, I'm not sure if that is a similar case or not. So, I have decided to just order a 1200 PG for now. When I find a cheap PG from a 1500 I will go about documenting it. In theory, any inductive pickup should work. The issue is more one of mounting, clearance and wiring. I really see no reason that it shouldn't be a fairly simple mod. I just don't want to spend $100 and then find out it won't work. I'm really surprised it's not common on these old 1200's.

 

[joedrum]

yes ...on most deals ..sad to say hype out numbers good info .. and most of the mods ive done were just turned out to be me doing them first in reality ... like your finding out here on this issue

 

[brianinpa]

MCVinnie » Thu Jun 19, 2014 9:14 am[/url]":2r2t5tum]
I'm really surprised it's not common on these old 1200's.

My thought is that the PG really weren't the weak link of the ignition system but rather the coils were/are. before I swapped mine out for the C5, the only problem I was having with the ignition was the occasional missed spark and that it ran like crap when it got wet. Everything was attributed to the coils and not the back of the motor.

 

[MCVinnie]

brianinpa » Thu Jun 19, 2014 8:16 am[/url]":1jz3m2ky]

MCVinnie » Thu Jun 19, 2014 9:14 am[/url]":1jz3m2ky]
I'm really surprised it's not common on these old 1200's.

My thought is that the PG really weren't the weak link of the ignition system but rather the coils were/are. before I swapped mine out for the C5, the only problem I was having with the ignition was the occasional missed spark and that it ran like crap when it got wet. Everything was attributed to the coils and not the back of the motor.

You and I have a different set up. My PG is in the front of the enging under the timing cover. From what I have been lead to believe so far, is that; on the 85-87 1200's the PG's are being killed by the heat, where the 1500 PG are [appearently] insulated better. What I was told, was to pull mine off and see if they are melted on the back. They are! I haven't tested the ohms yet, as Mike suggested.

 

[Steve83]

The only info I've found is the use of a single 1500 pulser on a 1200 fuel injected engine. These engines use only one pulser, but have mounts for two, as do all '85 and later 1200's. The upper set of mounts were used, and they had to be cut down 8mm for the pole pieces to align properly. I'm sure it could be done with dual pulsers, but both sets of mounts would have to be cut, and the wiring on the six-cylinder pulsers would need to be modified, as it appears they exit the engine differently.

The 1200 pulse generators are available new, for about $80 plus shipping, here (#19):

https://www.hondapartshouse.com/oem...420a3c6a9/front-cover-timing-belt-timing-belt

 

[backlander]

Vince and I have been talking by PM and everything is cool between us. He's a good guy and I hope we can all get on with helping him fix his machine and getting him in the wind. If the p/g's are smoked this may be a chance for him to lead the rest of us down the road to converting to the 1500 p/g's. Full charge ahead Vince, we're with you all the way.

 

[brianinpa]

MCVinnie » Thu Jun 19, 2014 11:20 am[/url]":kblzt9d9]

brianinpa » Thu Jun 19, 2014 8:16 am[/url]":kblzt9d9]

MCVinnie » Thu Jun 19, 2014 9:14 am[/url]":kblzt9d9]
I'm really surprised it's not common on these old 1200's.

My thought is that the PG really weren't the weak link of the ignition system but rather the coils were/are. before I swapped mine out for the C5, the only problem I was having with the ignition was the occasional missed spark and that it ran like crap when it got wet. Everything was attributed to the coils and not the back of the motor.

You and I have a different set up. My PG is in the front of the enging under the timing cover. From what I have been lead to believe so far, is that; on the 85-87 1200's the PG's are being killed by the heat, where the 1500 PG are [appearently] insulated better. What I was told, was to pull mine off and see if they are melted on the back. They are! I haven't tested the ohms yet, as Mike suggested.

Not quite what I was leaning towards but rather that there just isn't that much info out there on the PG's going bad because it doesn't happen that often and that the PG's aren't necessarily the weak link in the ignition system.

I also guess that is where the 84 1200 is the best of both worlds then in some requests. The ignition is in the back, even though it is a pain to get at, but the PG is away from the heat of the cylinders. But one has to wonder what would be better... sitting in the front where it is being hit by cooling air all the time or sitting at the back where cooling air is rare.

Mine 1200 ignition system living on barrowed time though because I will be putting the C5 on the 1200 also.

 

[Ansimp]

+1 on a C5 for a 1200 :yes:

 

[MCVinnie]

I want to thank everyone for their help, but for me, this just became a moot point, at least for the time being. The deal I made for the 1200A had to be undone today. And I just replaced the PG's and got the bike running, aint that always the way?

However, I did get enought time on it to convince me that I definately need one of these fine machines. The problem, which one to go for? I value all your input and expierence, so I will be posting another thread, hope to hear from you there.

Peace Out!
Vince