Jerry, our forum had a crash a few months back and we do not have those threads back yet. However, we do have some folks here with experience that can help. Several things that go wrong with the 1200 stators is they overheat because of wiring problems inside the stator and at the 3 yellow wire plug coming out of the stator. The plugs is only rated at about 25 amps and the stator puts out much more than that (Nobody seems to know why Honda did this?) The 3 wire plug tends to corrode which causes a resistance in the flow of electricity (kinda like a toaster) and it starts to melt the wires or ends inside of the plug. You do not always see it on the outside of the wires, but can usually see it right away inside the plug. Cutting off the plug and soldering the three wires stops overheating at that site.
However, the wire connections inside of a 1200 stator are a little harder to get to. Out of curiosity, how have you determined the stator failed? Can it be a fried voltage regulator, melted wires or plug end that might be preventing output?
Unfortunately, if in fact the stator is shot, the engine does have to come out (at least halfway to access the stator). The $2000 repair normally includes a lifetime warranty. But for the cost of a new stator and some time spent moving the engine, it could be done a lot cheaper!
If it is any help, my daughter in Florida (who is 18) swapped out my engine with me two years ago when she was 16 and she had never worked on anything mechanical before! I know that she might be willing to help if she is available!