Vector stator replacement

[john_the_fisherman]

I know this is a repeat from the Need A Fix forum, but I'd like to tear into this tomorrow and I need an answer. The Yamaha flat rate manual shows 1 hr for replacing a stator on a Vector ER. I don't see how this is possible since it looks like you need to R&R the engine to do it. What am I missing here? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

 

[STORM-CHASER]

John
I looked in the service manuel and it sure look to me that you have to remove the engine, after its out it may be a hour more to get to the stator. I tryed to copy the file to post , but it will not let me copy the pictures.Maybe someone on here has done one and can help you out. I assume you did some test to be sure its bad?

 

[john_the_fisherman]

Yes, I lost the charge on the battery two weeks ago on a trip, so I bought a new battery (even though I suspected a charging problem) in an emergency and it didn't cure the problem. So, I started at the battery and worked backwards. The voltage at the terminal was 12.6 V with the motor off and about 12.6 V with motor revved to 5000 rpm (spec says 14 v). So I was able to speak to a Yamaha tech friend of mine and he gave me some voltage pulls (that aren't in the manual) for the stator coupler where it hooks to the reg/rectifier. He claims I should get between 30-40 VAC testing across any of the three terminals with the motor running an revved b/w 3-5000 rpm. The highest voltage I got was about 15 the rest were around 2-5 VAC.

He said he's seen at least two units (in a small dealership) where the stator has gotten warm enough to melt the resin off the windings and short-out the stator at about 5-7000 miles (mine has 5900). Based on what I've read on these forums this has been a problem on mid to high mile Vectors. I don't mind replacing the stator, but what the hell was Yamaha thinking burying that cover to the extent that you have to do an R&R. This is sled not a Geo Metro!

 

[Yama-Crazy]

Check with Tony p0wd3rp1l0t I'm pretty sure his went out on his Rage around 7,000 miles he might be able to tell you what had to be done?

 

[Srxspec]

Guys, just going off of memory here, but when installing a supercharger on a Vector you have to remove the stator housing/mag cover. To do this you remove all the motor mount bolts and spacer up the front right (chaincase) side of the motor 2 inches and it will allow you to work the cover off and remove it. Not sure if this makes sense or not.

 

[john_the_fisherman]

Thanks for the info. I actually talked to a mechanic today that has done a couple of these and you don't need pull the engine. He says if you take out all three motor mount bolts you can tip and jocky the engine enough with a cherry picker to get the cover off. I am going to Attak (nice, huh) it tomorrow and see how it goes. I will post the results for anyone else trying to do this in the future.

There must not be any cure for this problem, because usually when its a parts issue you will suddenly see a -01-00 supercede on the part number because they re-sourced or redesigned the part. Maybe I'm dumb, but I don't know why Yamaha didn't do like the motorcycles and make the starter and generator one unit and put it on the front of crankcase so it might stay cooler. Must be some good reason I'm missing.

 

[YamahaHoss]

Thanks for the info. I actually talked to a mechanic today that has done a couple of these and you don't need pull the engine. He says if you take out all three motor mount bolts you can tip and jocky the engine enough with a cherry picker to get the cover off. I am going to Attak (nice, huh) it tomorrow and see how it goes. I will post the results for anyone else trying to do this in the future.

There must not be any cure for this problem, because usually when its a parts issue you will suddenly see a -01-00 supercede on the part number because they re-sourced or redesigned the part. Maybe I'm dumb, but I don't know why Yamaha didn't do like the motorcycles and make the starter and generator one unit and put it on the front of crankcase so it might stay cooler. Must be some good reason I'm missing.

John did the cherry picker idea work??