Print Page - Fitting an alternator to the Iron Head, maybe.

Title: Fitting an alternator to the Iron Head, maybe.
Post by: drifter on December 28, 2021, 08:36:43 PM

I finally got the Pan/FX done and on the road, work ethic is terrible. Now the Sportster is on the lift and coming apart. It hasn't been on the road for at least 2 decades, checking and greasing bearings and looking for interesting and hopefully simple problems that I can feel good about fixing! The bike came with the generator in pieces (most of it anyway) and an aluminum plate covering the mounting hole in the case. I bought a V-Twin alternator/regulator 3 years ago for it, took it off the shelf to see about fitting it tonight and to my dismay there are no instructions, just 3 black wires from the regulator and 2 also unmarked wires from the alternator. I prefer simple problems. Of course the wiring diagram in my service manual is for a generator with "A" and "F" and color coded wires, doesn't help. Has anybody successfully wired this unit without destroying it? Clues? This is my 1978 xlcr/ 1979/1980 whatever ex drag bike.

Title: Re: Fitting an alternator to the Iron Head, maybe.
Post by: Ohio HD on December 28, 2021, 08:51:16 PM

Match up your part number with one of these instructions sheets.

https://www.vtwinmfg.com/Instructions/32/32-1671.pdf

https://www.vtwinmfg.com/Instructions/32/32-1674.pdf

Title: Re: Fitting an alternator to the Iron Head, maybe.
Post by: drifter on December 28, 2021, 09:12:28 PM

Thanks Ohio, the second one is what I needed to keep from putting it on fleabay. :baby:

Title: Re: Fitting an alternator to the Iron Head, maybe.
Post by: JW113 on December 29, 2021, 03:10:57 PM

I've used those alternators on two ironheads, including the one I still have. They work pretty good, but I still keep a battery tender on it, those alternators don't have a lot of output. I don't understand why they warn to not use the oil slinger. If you don't, you get oil out the breather.

-JW

Title: Re: Fitting an alternator to the Iron Head, maybe.
Post by: drifter on December 29, 2021, 04:24:22 PM

JW113
I've had second thoughts about the alternator since about the second week I had it. I have had a CE generator with built in regulator on my Pan/FX for over 20 years with no problems. Thought about one for the Sportster but at just over 1/2 the cost the alternator won. Hard to regret saving money but this is one time I might. I was surprised about their requirement about leaving the oil slinger off also, doesn't make sense to me.

Title: Re: Fitting an alternator to the Iron Head, maybe.
Post by: JW113 on December 29, 2021, 05:10:12 PM

There is nothing wrong with a generator, for sure. And I only use the alternator because it's about 1/3 the weight of the alternator, maybe even less. Alternator, anti-gravity battery, and Tech Cycle starter, I have my XL under 500 lbs. Now if I could only find a set of Thunder Heads....
:SM:

-JW

Title: Re: Fitting an alternator to the Iron Head, maybe.
Post by: drifter on December 29, 2021, 06:27:20 PM

Keep it up and you will have to tie it down when you get off to keep it from floating away! :wink:

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Technical Forums => Iron Head => Topic started by: drifter on December 28, 2021, 08:36:43 PM