questions

[Spootinay]

in this picture: http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/...t=photo2-2.jpg

shouldn't this thing be magnetized? If so how strong should it be? Is the rust inhibiting the magnetic field? how do i take it off?

in this one: http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/...3Dphoto1-2.jpg

what are the two holes in the chrome part for?

[natemoen]

No that will not really hold any charge much at all, it is just meant to stir the magnetic field in the stator which is in the cover. The rust will not hurt anything. If you do not have any reason to take that off don't do it.

The two holes in the fender are where the early models have the TCI mounted, so they are not used on your bike.

[James England]

The rust is, of course, caused by moisture and air and it really shouldn't be getting in there. Personally, I would remove it with rust remover, even though it doesn't make any difference being there.... call me obsessive, but I wouldn't like to ride knowing an ugly brown rusty lump was in my engine....

All European XS1100's use those holes in the fender to mount the TCI under the seat fairing

[fredintoon]

- - - shouldn't this thing be magnetized? If so how strong should it be? Is the rust inhibiting the magnetic field?

Hi Spootinay,
no, it's not a permanent magnet; it's there to stir up the inner coils' magnetic field so the outer coils can make current. The rust won't interfere with that and is irrefutable proof that your crankshaft oil seal is in really good shape.

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Yes

+ 1, we here in the states don't mind riding with "an ugly brown rusty lump" In fact, some have paid to do just the same Knock off the useless stuff, like we did in 1776, then just put it back togather it will work fine with the rubbish removed, as all of us will soon

Hi Spootinay,
no, it's not a permanent magnet; it's there to stir up the inner coils' magnetic field so the outer coils can make current. The rust won't interfere with that and is irrefutable proof that your crankshaft oil seal is in really good shape.

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Rust

+ 1, we here in the states don't mind riding with "an ugly brown rusty lump" In fact, some have paid to do just the same Knock off the useless stuff, like we did in 1776, then just put it back togather it will work fine with the rubbish removed, as all of us will soon [QUOTE=fredintoon;349154]Hi Spootinay,
no, it's not a permanent magnet; it's there to stir up the inner coils' magnetic field so the outer coils can make current. The rust won't interfere with that and is irrefutable proof that your crankshaft oil seal is in really good shape

The rust is, of course, caused by moisture and air and it really shouldn't be getting in there. Personally, I would remove it with rust remover, even though it doesn't make any difference being there.... call me obsessive, but I wouldn't like to ride knowing an ugly brown rusty lump was in my engine....

All European XS1100's use those holes in the fender to mount the TCI under the seat fairing

[Barnfresh]

Mine is worse... I have a brown ooze that drips out - a sure sign that my crank seal is NOT ok.. I got a puller to remove the rotor and replace the seal, just need a warm weekend. The rust does not seem to affect the performance. Getting 14 volts @ 3K rpm. Trying to remove your rust with solvent or something may just damage your seal. I would leave it alone... By the way - nice cafe!