Any pointers for removal of oil sensor switch?

[suecanada]

Just in case there are some wee things to be wary about...is there anything I should know about removal/installation of the low oil sensor switch there on the left side of the engine rear of the rear-most pushrod gasket?

I gather that the thread is different on the old vs newer 80's VW substitute switch? Might as well go OEM? But I fear I'll pay too much. Got a part number for the VW substitute?? I found Bosch # 0344101040

Thanks!
Sue

[Bob_Roller]

That Bosch number you have is the only part number I've seen in print to be a direct replacement part for an airhead switch .

I haven't had my switch off since I replaced it in 1984, but you may want to use a deep well socket, so as to not mess up the electrical terminals on the switch .

The threads on the switch, are pipe threads, they taper down to make a fluid tight seal, so don't get real crazy tightening it up, and you will have threads exposed when it is tightened up .

[montmil]

Anytime I mess with a part that has an electrical lead of any type attached to it, I either detach the battery ground strap or the component's plug, etc.

A light smear of teflon joint compound -applied mid-thread and back towards the hex head- may control any seepage. Avoid too much of the compound and do not allow any to enter the oiling system.

Plus what Bob said.      Monte

[Justin B.]

The R65 switches I have replaced have not been a "pipe thread" but a straight thread with a crush washer.  The pipe thread switch was used, I believe, on /5 blocks or maybe older...

[trolle]

Just lay the Red Baron down on his right side and screw the switch in. Remember to use a crush washer and a deep socket. The thread on the OEM switch isn't tapered but a 'normal' metric thread 10mmx10mm.

How I know: Well the switch on the wh8la2 leaked after only 25 years of service and I had to replace it with a new from motobins which cost me appr. $16.

greetings from a windy and cloudy north

[Bob_Roller]

So much for my memory of what I did 25 years ago, I had an oil pressure switch still sitting in my tool box, now I realize that it's from a 1981 4 wheeler I had, one in the minus column for me today .

But after looking at the switch on the bike, I noticed something that Justin mentioned a few days ago, about the wire to the oil pressure switch, mine has about a one fourth inch of insulation missing, with exposed wire, and about half of the strands of the wire are broken as well .