Thread Rating:
  • 3 Vote(s) - 3 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Air drier in the air pump
How many 1200 owners who's machines are equipped with the suspension air pump bother to replace or dry the desiccant that is present in the system.

I usually do mine every other year, removing the desiccant and placing it on a dish with paper towel to absorb the moisture and microwave it until it turns blue again.

It amazes me how much moisture is present in the desiccant, of course anyone using an air compressor will realize how much water is drawn in with the air when it is running, well the same thing happens with the air pump.

It is a little awkward to get at, I usually find it harder to get back in than to remove.


Check the color of the desiccant. It should be blue. If not, replace the desiccant.

Drier 1

[Image: drier1_zps6743493a.jpg]

Drier 2

[Image: drier2_zps3dcb116b.jpg]

Drier 3

[Image: drier3_zpsc2f6178a.jpg]

Drier 4

[Image: drier4_zps16dc94e4.jpg]

Drier 5

[Image: drier5_zps4c208f39.jpg]

Drier 6

[Image: drier6_zps79221063.jpg]

Drier 7

[Image: drier7_zpsd9c076cf.jpg]

Drier 8

[Image: drier8_zps1c28a0b4.jpg]

Drier 9

[Image: drier9_zps2a00c3d1.jpg]
Reply
#1 12-31-2006, 07:24 AM,
This is a very important procedure because it removes moisture that can accumulate in the shocks and valving system of the 1200 and it can also kill the compressor if the moisture is not removed.

I went and paid big bucks for a new dessicant bag because I know how important it is. Uncared for air pressure systems can rot and cause many problems but Tricky, I like your way the best because you don't need to put out cash to maintain your Wing.

A little bit of microwaving can save a ton of money over the years plus you can throw a bag of popcorn in the microwave after the the work is done.:-)
Ed (Vic) Belanger - 1954-2015
Founder of gl1200goldwings.com

Reply
#2 12-31-2006, 08:38 AM,
As I recall there is only one dessicant bag but I'll let Tricky answer on the microwave time.
Ed (Vic) Belanger - 1954-2015
Founder of gl1200goldwings.com

Reply
#3 12-31-2006, 09:29 AM,
There is only one place where the desiccant is found, carefull how the top of the body is removed, mark the actual position it comes off, when replacing the top to ensure hose is pointing in the right direction. There is a spring in there and it only goes on one way if I remember correctly.
Just place the parts on the bench in the order they came out.

I place the unit carefully in a vice to remove the top, screens, spring and packing.

As far as using the microwave, I would do it for 1.5 minutes on a paper towel then replace the paper towel, continue at those times untill the is no more pink desiccant, that is the colour it turns when it has picked up moisture.
Reply
#4 12-31-2006, 11:09 AM,
I did mine about every other year. Somewhat a PITA getting things in and out of the fairing.
Real Airplanes Have 2 Wings and Big Round Engines
[Image: 6967States_Ridden_MC.jpg]
Reply
#5 01-07-2007, 08:02 AM,
Bipeflier, how about a picture of your plane in the Open Discussion forum.

I'd love to see how your Wings look.
Ed (Vic) Belanger - 1954-2015
Founder of gl1200goldwings.com

Reply
#6 01-07-2007, 08:28 AM,
If you need new dessicant it's available on eBay, I purchased a bag, about enough to do three or four cannisters. When I opened the cannister on my 1100 the old stuff was pretty well broken down to grit instead of nice round beads, long past rejuvenating. The stuff doesn't last forever, so it's worth taking a look at.
Current: GL1100 GL1500 Previous: GL1200SEI
Reply
#7 01-08-2007, 11:18 PM,
It's a good idea to change the dessicant because once it stops working you get condesation in the air system and that moisture turns to rust.

When the dessicant breaks down completely it can escape the bag and then cause wear on the valves or it can cause the valves to hang open.

It's cheap to replace but the labor is a pain until you figureout how to do it properly then it gets easier.
Ed (Vic) Belanger - 1954-2015
Founder of gl1200goldwings.com

Reply
#8 01-09-2007, 10:53 AM,
Hey Tricky,

Great information and directions. Is there anything else on the Wing that I haven't heard of that is in need of cleaning? Confusedhock: Big Grin
When in doubt, climb on, insert key, start, put in gear and RIDE...
2008 Gold Wing
1985 Metallic Blue Aspencade
2003 Candy Red Flame Shadow Sabre VT1100
Reply
#9 01-20-2007, 12:48 PM,
By the way, where is it located? In fairing? Under faux-tank? Under seat? Inquiring minds, that is what is left of em!!! Confusedhock:
When in doubt, climb on, insert key, start, put in gear and RIDE...
2008 Gold Wing
1985 Metallic Blue Aspencade
2003 Candy Red Flame Shadow Sabre VT1100
Reply
#10 01-20-2007, 12:51 PM,
One thing that is often forgotten for cleaning and lubrication is the rear spline where it fits into the wheel. Some guys let that spline go until it literally crumbles. All it needs is a good cleaning and a solid smear of moly 60 grease and it will practically last forever.

The air pump is located deep inside the fairing on the right hand side.
You really have to record how the hose and wires are laid out because it's that tight. Don't forgot to use the tarlike paper to keep it from rattling around.
Ed (Vic) Belanger - 1954-2015
Founder of gl1200goldwings.com

Reply
#11 01-20-2007, 01:18 PM,
This might give you an idea of what is in there.


Attached Files
.jpg   drier6.jpg (Size: 73.66 KB / Downloads: 228)
Reply
#12 01-20-2007, 06:05 PM,
On this thread- I just acquired a pump system for my 84 I. Is there a schematic of where all the stuff is supposed to mount? Have a shop manual and it just is not in there anywhere. Yep- Honda shop book, not one of the after market ones.
'84 GL1200 I & '04 VTX 1800 C
Reply
#13 01-25-2007, 10:34 AM,
Page 12-36 in the Official Honda Manual will show you where
The only stupid questions are the one's that are not asked.

Reply
#14 01-25-2007, 12:26 PM,
Hey Tricky,
I tried what you suggested and I cant get the desicant to turn back to blue.
It turns blue when it is hot but as soon as it cools down it turns back to yellow/amber. No moisture is coming out on the paper towel either.
Am I correct in assuming that the desicant needs to be replaced??
If so any idea where to purchase it most cost effectively???
"Life is what happens when you are making other plans"
Reply
#15 07-09-2007, 07:08 AM,


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

Contact Us | GL1200 GOLDWINGS | Return to Top | | Lite (Archive) Mode | RSS Syndication
google-site-verification: googled4b4fe31e07b65d8.html