| Author |
Message |
Posted by:
Mark Bridge
Thursday, November 05, 2009
03:09 am | I have been using a compufire for about 8 years. During that time I have had to send it back to them now 4 times. 3 for oil leaks and once for not charging. The last time I sent it in was about a month ago for the no charging issue. Before they sent it back they called me to tell me it was done and ready to be shipped back to me. Just need to get the payment out of the way. I asked what they found wrong with it. The rotor and a couple of other things were replaced. Cool I said, how about the bearings and oil seal. He assured me it was all changed and good to go. I get it back and it ain't even the same one I sent them! The pigtale will not lock on to the plug on the alternator so I used a gob of tape around the plug to wedge it into place. I know I should have gotten on the phone the but I didn't. I rode it 1 day and it starts leaking oil, now I'm mad! I called to talk to them and the guy I talked to is out, gone to SEMA. They want it back again and they pay shipping. Now I get to wait another three weeks or so for these folks to get their stuff together. What happened to quallity control? Never again will I buy from those people!
"ON2WLS" Personalized Plate 
Pearl Serra 95 SE 
02 Aspen Classic |
Posted by:
Albert Schuman
Thursday, November 05, 2009
06:30 am | Try one of Ken`s ? |
Posted by:
Mark Bridge
Thursday, November 05, 2009
07:04 am | I spoke with Ken when my alt quit charging. At the time I was in a bind for time and we couldn't make anything work. He spoke of a Hitachi 90 amp alt that I will go to next if Compufire screws me again. What are the chances of that happening, GOOD!
(Message edited on November 05, 2009)
"ON2WLS" Personalized Plate
Pearl Serra 95 SE
02 Aspen Classic |
Posted by:
William Warren
Thursday, November 05, 2009
11:42 am | Maybe the defect is in your bike's mount surface / bore of engine rear cover?
Where's the oil leaking?
If it's from between the shaft and nose and oil going through alternator and leaking from inside it, then the leak is in the alternator nose cone between rotor windings and drive vane.
Such hardly seems likely however as now you have a different nose as you say, and different rotor. Sounds like they sent you a whole different unit. The leak remains you say.
If it's leaking from between the alternator nose and engine rear cover you either have a gouge in the bore where the alternator goes in, or you are pinching the rubber o ring when installing it, not the alternator's fault.
Mine's never leaked, not a drop. Dry now, and it's had the Comp-U-Fire since back in late '90s. I did have a rotor wire fracture and had a new rotor installed at local shop, reused the same nose and drive vane complete with original seal and outer o ring, still never leaked.
I don't know of anyone else having a problem with them leaking either.
Inspect mounting surfaces. |
Posted by:
Mark Bridge
Thursday, November 05, 2009
02:56 pm | No it isn't the engine as it has a loaner stock alternator in it now and there is no leaks. I thought it may have been the O ring too so I changed that first after I found oil on the garage floor. The alternator that I took out and sent to them was dry and clean. I have had to send 3 other alternators that were not mine back to them for oil leaking problems so I know it has been a problem for them. You are lucky to have gotten that much life out of yours I think. The fact that this alternator got shipped out and it has a bad plug tells me their quality control has gone south. Sorry if I offend any one but if I can keep any one else from getting the shaft than I am happy.
"ON2WLS" Personalized Plate
Pearl Serra 95 SE
02 Aspen Classic |
Posted by:
William Warren
Thursday, November 05, 2009
05:20 pm | Not my name on the alternator so no offense taken here, I just don't share your experience, nor personally know of any who do. Love the extra amperage and I like the fact that parts are so readily avalable.
Also ... If you go to a bearing supply house the seal Compufire uses is made by Chicago Rawhide and the number is 9878 while the larger o'ring would be the same as a stock Honda alternator.
And I post the below just as maybe of some help to someone someday searching for theterm "Comp-U-Fire".
Below posted by "Al in Fishkill" on 06-25-05 :
"From a previous post:
"Compufire has confirmed that all of the internal parts for the Delphi Alternator, CS121, are identical ot the Delphi CS130. You can order a rebuild kit for the CS130, and have all of the internal repair part you need. You will, however, need the seal which Compufire installs in their new endframe, and it's available from them. Darryl at Compufire spent a lot of time on this helping me verify part numbers. The kit for the Delphi CS130 is available almost everywhere."
Al in Fishkill"
And then the below posted by "Super Dave" on 11-21-05 :
"Well Guys--- Here is a happy ending to one heck of a problem. With your efforts I was able to make the repairs needed. Pep Boys here in New Port News had the alternator in stock.99 Saturn is the winner.Removed end from old alt.swapped spacers in front of fan&swapped engine mounting faces.Works like a charm. Thanks for the offer Kenneth.Many thanks to everyone!!!
Super Dave "
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Posted by:
Jerry Powell
Thursday, November 05, 2009
05:33 pm | My seal leaked, I got another and replaced it, cleaned it with CRC, and no more problems.
That many leaks has to be a fatal problem somewhere. |
Posted by:
Mark Bridge
Thursday, November 05, 2009
06:48 pm | When I first bought the Compufire back in 02 it worked great for about 3 months. I sent it to them under warranty for a new seal. I got the same one back and within the first month of having it back it starts leaking again. I call them and explain the issue. I was told that there was a problem with a certain run of end plates and that it should have been replaced when it was there for the seal replacement, so back it want. I got the same one back again and it worked flawlessly for the next 7 years. I think the Compufire was a great upgrade for the 1500. Only problem I have is that for what ever reason they decided that I wasn't getting my original back and they didn't say anything about it to me, and the one they sent me was JUNK. Why did it take them almost 2 weeks to send it in the first place. Sorry but there is no excuse for that and it is unacceptable in my book. They should return my money and I will go elsewhere.
"ON2WLS" Personalized Plate
Pearl Serra 95 SE
02 Aspen Classic |
Posted by:
William Warren
Thursday, November 05, 2009
08:45 pm | Return your money?
You got 3 months, then sent it in twice for a seal, but then you got 7 years flawless operation out of it.
We know it's an adapted alternator, and as such it has much greater potential than stock at a competitive price and enjoys spares sources nationwide at any regular chain automotive supply or the mom & pop electrical service outlet.
They offer to pay shipping even?
I know .... you're angry. But we don't always think cool when we're "hot".
This is why I have a spare old stocker with new brushes. If I can keep a Comp-U-Fire in it, I'll be pleased. Nothing last 4ever.
I say pull it out, sell it, or trade it to some other 1500 owner for his stocker, and throw a stock one in her then. You'll likely not be satisfied otherwise.
 |
Posted by:
Mark Bridge
Friday, November 06, 2009
01:43 pm | The money I want back is the $125.00 I paid plus shipping for them to rebuild my alternator, this time. I would have to be a complete idiot if I expected to get the full amount back for the alternator. This post was not intended to start a flame fest. I only wanted to make it known that a problem exists with Compufire and their quality control program. Had I known there was a problem there I would not have asked them to rebuild it in the first place.
If compufire does me right in the end I will let you know. And if they don't, you guessed it.
(Message edited on November 06, 2009)
"ON2WLS" Personalized Plate
Pearl Serra 95 SE
02 Aspen Classic |
Posted by:
Michael Briese
Friday, November 06, 2009
03:48 pm | Mark, perhaps it would be better to wait until it is all said and done before doing the bashing. I don't think that any company who likes to stay in business will intentionally shaft a customer. Yes, faulty products do slip out on occasion but I really doubt that they mean send out faulty products.
I think that everyone has had crappy service or parts from reputable companies in the past but bashing them in front of thousands is not the answer to your woes. You need to communicate your dissatisfaction with the company who's reputation is at stake, not us. We can't fix the problem but the company in question surly can. Give them a reasonable chance.
Mike
My Ride
Chapter A - Seattle, WA
'98 Aspencade - 95,900+ Miles
(New to me in 2005 w/2145 miles)
'01 ST1100 - 28,800+ Miles
(New to me in 2002 w/1425 miles)
All Red of Course
Preventive Maintenance is the Key to Longevity |
Posted by:
Mark Bridge
Friday, November 06, 2009
05:10 pm | You are probably right. I don't think it was a malicious act my self. I will see how it all turns out in the end, stay tuned.
"ON2WLS" Personalized Plate
Pearl Serra 95 SE
02 Aspen Classic |
Posted by:
Ralph Taylor
Friday, November 06, 2009
06:06 pm | I had a Comp-u-Fire in my 1989 from about 2002 until last year. It worked fine for about 3 years and quit. I had it rebuilt at a local repair shop for over $100. It worked for a year or so and quit. I had it repaired again for $100 or so. I ran it another six months. It quit and this time the rebuild cost was $175 because they said it required much heavier duty components. I went to Alaska (2008) and it quit me in Fairbanks. I had it redone when I got home (had to buy a new OEM alternator to make it back. $555 in Canada but I was glad to get it.) I put the rebuilt Comp-u-Fire back in which cost another $100 or so. It lasted about 2,000 miles then quit. That was the end of my patients. I called Ken and he sent out the new 90 amp Hitachi. It works every bit as good as the C-Fire and is much easier to get in and out. I carry the extra OEM with me at all times. That's my story and I'm sticken' with it.
Ralph Taylor
Libby, MT |
Posted by:
Mark Bridge
Friday, November 06, 2009
07:57 pm | If I had it to do again that is the way I would go too. How much time to you have on that Hitachi?
"ON2WLS" Personalized Plate
Pearl Serra 95 SE
02 Aspen Classic |
Posted by:
Ralph Taylor
Friday, November 06, 2009
10:04 pm | I only have about 400 miles so far and the weather is turning colder now so it will not get a lot of use this year. I also have a GL1100 that I ride too. The 89 has a sidecar.
I really liked the Comp-u-Fire when it worked and I have several friends who have had excellent service out of theirs. I think if I had it to do over I would send it right into Ken Hemming but I thought since it is an automotive unit a local repair shop could do the rebuild on it. Mine never did leak oil. On the last rebuild I worried about the seal in the front so I fabricated a tool to take off the drive and got a new seal from NAPA and put it in. Good luck in whatever you do.
Ralph
|
Posted by:
William Warren
Friday, November 06, 2009
10:10 pm | No flames here, just satisfied.
Out of a curiosity, maybe someone needs one some day, what is the deal with Ken and Hitachie 90 amp alternators, first I've heard of this. |
Posted by:
Ralph Taylor
Friday, November 06, 2009
10:22 pm | It is a new one he is selling. I think it has a one-year warranty. It is slightly bigger than stock for size but goes in easy. It sets there on 13.8 at idle with all my lights including the running light and marker lights on sidecar.
Ralph |
Posted by:
Donald Ferguson
Saturday, November 07, 2009
05:29 am | I don't know a lot about alternators - had the dealer completely replace mine when it was 5 years old. That and the other Wing's alternator lasted until we sold the bikes some 8 years later. We did however clean and replace the brushes.
Just curious, what type of alternator does the Harley have - we rally see a need to change their alternators.
Don in Michigan
Life Member
|
Posted by:
Kenneth Heming
Saturday, November 07, 2009
07:01 am | HARLEY alternators are also made by HITACHI, but you have to ride them for them to wear out.
ken heming
gwrra#44251 (life) |
Posted by:
Leon Stearns
Saturday, November 07, 2009
07:13 am | Ken - Did you ever find out what company actually made the alternator in New Jersey that you thought was a Hitachi? |
Posted by:
Kenneth Heming
Saturday, November 07, 2009
10:19 am | Not yet but I am still working on it.
ken heming
gwrra#44251 (life) |
Posted by:
William Warren
Saturday, November 07, 2009
10:58 am | Well, still not clear ... let me ask "which Ken" has the Hitachi, or is looking at Hitachi, for the 1500?
I thought from the above posts (not the last three but way above) that there was one out there already. Is it you Ken Heming?
I'm figuring someone has had nose cones made up for it, maybe drive vanes if original Honda don't fit if there are already happy customers.
Thanks |
Posted by:
Kenneth Heming
Saturday, November 07, 2009
01:34 pm | Yes I am selling a new 94 amp alternator for the 1500. I have 6 happy customers using it.
ken heming
gwrra#44251 (life) |
Posted by:
William Warren
Sunday, November 08, 2009
10:01 am | I have a man in the chapter with a Champion trike which he says a Comp-U-Fire won't fit due to swing arm cross section of front cross tube, several other Champion trike riders who won't try same ... not that I push them, but I have mentioned upgrading when it comesw up in conversation.
If you care to email any info, pics, etc ... I'll pass it on.
tbear853@yahoo.com |
Posted by:
Donald Ferguson
Sunday, November 08, 2009
06:18 pm | Ken - thanks for the information. I do ride my Harley and was just asking the question of someone with the knowledge. I simply wondered if the Harley alternator holds up a little better than that provided on the Wing. If such was the case, perhaps someone has one that is interchangable.
Thanks for sharing
Don in Michigan
Life Member
|
Posted by:
Sam Harrison
Sunday, November 08, 2009
08:05 pm | Ken,
does the new one have any vibration or growl around 2000 to 2300 rpm, or is it as smooth as the OEM? Just wondering. |
Posted by:
Michael Briese
Monday, November 09, 2009
06:10 am | It may be hard to believe but I have 158,000 miles on my Comp-U-Fire. I originally had it on my '99 and now have it in my '98. It has been in my '98 from the 2.245 mile point. I now have 96,700 miles on the '98.
I also have one of Ken's rebuilt high amp alternators on the shelf. I have not used it yet but it is ready to go.
Mike
My Ride
Chapter A - Seattle, WA
'98 Aspencade - 95,900+ Miles
(New to me in 2005 w/2145 miles)
'01 ST1100 - 28,800+ Miles
(New to me in 2002 w/1425 miles)
All Red of Course
Preventive Maintenance is the Key to Longevity |
Posted by:
Kenneth Heming
Monday, November 09, 2009
06:37 am | No one has complained about any vibration or growl like the COMP-U-FIRE had.
ken heming
gwrra#44251 (life) |
