Pulse Generator

[Trigger]

I have a 1984 GL1200 and it has started to just quit
running like I hit yhe kill switch. Starts fine runs for about
5 minutes then dies, wait an hour or so starts right up.
I've been told it could be my pulse generator and it's
at the back of the engine and the engine would need
to be pullled to install the PG.
I am wondering if the cost would be more than the
bike is worth? Iti really a nice bike purrs like a kitten
when its running. ANY ADVISE WOULD HELP

[wildhorse]

You are able to remove the swingarm to access the pulse generators without removing the engine. There are 3 8mm bolts holding the Pulse Generator cover, remove them to access the 2 generators for replacement.

Before going that deep, have you checked the easy items that might be causing the trouble?

A weak or failing fuel pump can cause the engine shutoff. Your description of waiting 5 minutes and it starting back up makes me think your fuel pump might have failed and when the engine is shut down, small amounts of fuel are getting past the pump allowing you a restart.

[Trigger]

Haven't checked fuel pump... I have
replaced the ignition control unit, that
Didn't change anything still dies. I
checked all connections under the
fake tank cover.
No, it runs for about 5 minutes or
gets to the warm up temp then dies
and will not start until it cools down.

[Frank]

Ya, I would check the fuel situation first, bad fuel pump, clogged filter, clogged petcock.....

[sparky65]

I have a 1984 GL1200 and it has started to just quit
running like I hit yhe kill switch. Starts fine runs for about
5 minutes then dies, wait an hour or so starts right up.
I've been told it could be my pulse generator and it's
at the back of the engine and the engine would need
to be pullled to install the PG.
I am wondering if the cost would be more than the
bike is worth? Iti really a nice bike purrs like a kitten
when its running. ANY ADVISE WOULD HELP

Two things to test first up,the headlight should go out when you push the start buttton if it does'nt go out that could indicate a bad kill switch or a faulty ignition switch. Do you have spark,grab an extra plug rather than taking a plug out (this makes testing quicker), pull a spark plug wire off,ground the test plug on the engine and push the start button. If no spark put the plug wire back where it belongs and pull the other spark plug wire on the same side of the engine and test it as well. If one plug wire has spark and the other does'nt it could be a bad coil for 2 of the plugs but I suspect it would try to fire the other two cyclinders with the good coil. (one coil for the front 2 cyclinders,one for the back two cylinders) If no spark on either plug wire on the same side it could be its not getting a signal from the pulse generators inside the timing belt cover. There's two pulse sensors on a 84 GL1200 and these are known to be heat sensitive. I just went through this on my 85 LTD which is a bit different but those sensors never the less can be a weak point and seem sensitive to heat with age.They heat up after the engine runs for a bit then go open circuit. After the engine cools off they return to normal value again and work til the next time they heat up and go open circuit again. This may be a shot in the dark but I'd check your spark at least then you'll know if the electrical is working correctly.

[bs175dths]

You are correct, the PGs on an 84 are mounted in the back of the engine, not in the timing belt area or on the right cylinder head.
As stated, check the easy stuff first.
When checking for spark, keep in mind that these spark plug wires may not have moved in, like, forever, and may have an open (not work, no spark at plug) when in their operating position and then close (work, spark at plug) when bent to test for spark.
Also, there is a test for the pgs, run that test too before assuming (ugly word) the pgs are bad.

A cool way to check for arching coils, or spark plug wires it to perform the test in the dark, or low light. This makes the arching easy to see!

Keep us up to date.

[sparky65]

You are correct, the PGs on an 84 are mounted in the back of the engine, not in the timing belt area or on the right cylinder head.
As stated, check the easy stuff first.
When checking for spark, keep in mind that these spark plug wires may not have moved in, like, forever, and may have an open (not work, no spark at plug) when in their operating position and then close (work, spark at plug) when bent to test for spark.
Also, there is a test for the pgs, run that test too before assuming (ugly word) the pgs are bad.

A cool way to check for arching coils, or spark plug wires it to perform the test in the dark, or low light. This makes the arching easy to see!

Keep us up to date.

Yes I made an incorrect statement and I stand corrected. The 84 has the pulse generator at the back of the engine not in the timing belt cover like the 85 & 86 which goes to prove not all GL 1200s are created equal,there are subtil differences and this is one of them. Sorry about that.

[Trigger]

Thanks sparky65...I will start on this
right now, this is great...HELP WHEN YOU
REALY NEED IT.

[bs175dths]

You are correct, the PGs on an 84 are mounted in the back of the engine, not in the timing belt area or on the right cylinder head.
As stated, check the easy stuff first.
When checking for spark, keep in mind that these spark plug wires may not have moved in, like, forever, and may have an open (not work, no spark at plug) when in their operating position and then close (work, spark at plug) when bent to test for spark.
Also, there is a test for the pgs, run that test too before assuming (ugly word) the pgs are bad.

A cool way to check for arching coils, or spark plug wires it to perform the test in the dark, or low light. This makes the arching easy to see!

Keep us up to date.

Yes I made an incorrect statement and I stand corrected. The 84 has the pulse generator at the back of the engine not in the timing belt cover like the 85 & 86 which goes to prove not all GL 1200s are created equal,there are subtil differences and this is one of them. Sorry about that.

Not a problem, I just don't like hearing when a member buys something they were told it will fit, get it home and it doesn't fit. Ebay is famous for advertising fitting 1984 through 1987. In some cases it is a plug and play, in some cases it is not, like the rear rim and splines of an 86 will not fit an 84 or 85.
Sometimes with slight modification, it may work, but when I am in doubt, I ask here.

Another one year part is the starter. The 84 nose housing is a different size from the rest of the years. Aside from the fact that the power stud on the 84 is located different from 85-87.
The GL1200 was a four year evolution with subtle 'improvements' along the way.
Being aware is the best way not to be taken.

We are all here for the Love of the bike and it is a learning curve. As technology evolves, so does our parts base. Examples are the Poorboy External Alternator and the advent of LEDs. Both of these advancements have allowed owners to get more years/(s)miles out of these bikes which are pushing 30.

Another source for the 84 is the 83GLs. Some parts interchange, just do your homework to minimize buying an unusable part.

-Ride On

[Roleketu]

There are many online OEM Honda parts dealers with self look up catalogs. I've used Power's Edge and had great service. Look up and compare parts and years before any purchase.

[Trigger]

Roleketu, thanks for the info, I have been told that
the Neutral Switch Diode for the 1984 Goldwing is
no longer available through the dealer...mine has gone bad
and I will need to go online to hunt a used one and hope it works.

[sparky65]

When I read the last post about the subtil differences between 84-87 gl1200's it reminded me of the era of the 50's cars which some of us grew up in, every year was distinct in itself, a 55 Chevy was different than a 56 and a 57 was different than a 58 etc. If it was only that simple. There's one thing I've learned since owning Goldwings over the last 20 years or so don't just assume it will fit, do the research like was stated already or you might get taken. Its quite the learning curve looking up parts in some the the catalogues on the Cycle web sites. Buyer beware comes to mind. Glad there's GW Owners here who are so knowledgeable and help us out when needed

[Trigger]

Well Said

[1TallTXn]

I've got an '85 Aspy that's doing much the same thing. Runs perfect for about 10-15min, then shuts off. No fire on any cylinder at that point. Let it sit awhile, and she'll fire up and run like nothing happened.

FSM says the PG is at the rear, but in my effort to find and test teh wiring, I didn't see it back there. But if Mother Honda moved it to the timing covers, I was looking at the wrong end of the engine!

Wiring diagram says it's 4P connector, does anyone know where that should be located on a '85 Aspy?

I'll do some more looking this evening when I get home.

[Poorboy]

On the 85-87 they are behind the timing belt covers. Poorboy

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On the 85-87 they are behind the timing belt covers. Poorboy

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On the 85-87 they are behind the timing belt covers. Poorboy