Leaky Neutral Switch

[revperry]

Aaaarrrrgyh!  I just changed my neutral switch on the tranny & it's already leaking after 50 miles!  I used JB Weld on that expensive little bugger but it started leaking again.

I thought I read somewhere about just plugging the dang thing.  Does anybody know the thread dimensions on the switch?

TIA...
revperry
'82 R65  

[donbmw]

Should be 12 x 1.5 mm. It is the same size as the Drive shaft drain plugs. I had my switch on the R90 leak and had a extra drain plug and put this in. I was using the netural switch any way.

Don

[montmil]

I'm thinking you missed the recent leaky neutral switch thread.

Motobins sells an all-metal repop of the switch for way less money than the designed-to-leak OEM part. Even better, it does not leak.

I have a short bolt and crush washer in the trans of my '81. It's fine. I was raised up on Brit bikes and learned how to find neutral without electrical help. Of course, the brake pedal was on the wrong side and the shift pattern was backasswards to today's bikes. We all survived.

Be cautious of the replacement bolt's length. Use the leaky switch thread length as a guide but disregard the 'push button'.

[tvrla]

I've heard the 'new' brass neutral switches are a ducati part - so check up on that. It's hard to imagine a Ducati part being cheaper, but who knows these days???

[revperry]

Thanks!

revperry

[montmil]

I've heard the 'new' brass neutral switches are a ducati part - so check up on that. It's hard to imagine a Ducati part being cheaper, but who knows these days???

Hmmm. Could be a Ducati repop, too. Do know it's a better "BMW" part than BMW's own branded lousy item. The Motobins folks contract all over Europe for BMW parts that are manufactured by firms other than BMW. It's this whole global economy thing...

My Hinckley Triumph Trophy can utilize parts from a Kawasaki dealer. There's a lengthy list.

[jgp1854]

Just a follow up on the replacement of the neutral safety switch.  As it currently stands I have a new OEM and washer, based on my reading on this thread, I've ordered from Moto Bins the after market version and washer, which is going to be installed.  MY QUESTION IS:  once fluid is drained and defective switch is removed, do I need to add any sealant to the washer to help prevent leaking?  Is the leaking coming from the seal or the unit itself?

thanks
jgp

[montmil]

You should not require the use of any sealant goop on the new crush washer.

The BMW neutral switch itsownself is prone to develop leaks where the plastic component of the switch mates to the metal surround. Potentially, the switch can leak from day-one after install or wait for years. Dice roll.

The Airhead List has recently flogged this topic to death. Some folks slather JB Weld all over the joint. Some apply cyanoacrylate glue along the joint. Some folks install the switch and say a prayer. And then there's them that shop Motobins and ride drip free. IMO.

[Bob_Roller]

I was told by an independent BMW mechanic, that the switch should be just a bit more tight than hand tightened, like you can really get your hand in there !

Also suggested putting a bit of oil resistant sealant on the threads, seeing as how the aluminum washer isn't going to be pressed on as hard, so sealing could possibly be an issue .

I think the pattern part from Motobins is the way to go, we just need a long term test report from Monte .

[montmil]

... I think the pattern part from Motobins is the way to go, we just need a long term test report from Monte .

OK, folks. Checked my computerized maintenance records for the '83 R65:
       01.31.10 - Balanced front wheel. New neutral switch. Fresh trans oil.

Peeked under the engine just now and can report that the Motobins neutral switch remains shiny brassy and dry as a West Texas summer. That's two years and two months since install. I used no sealant and tightened the sender snug enough to seat the aluminum crush washer. With different expansion rates for the dissimilar metals, I would be leery of, "...a bit more than hand tight."

[Matt Chapter]

OK, folks. Checked my computerized maintenance records for the '83 R65:

Do you use a specific program, or a spreadsheet?  I have a folder where I put receipts, with luck I remember to put the mileage on them.  Of course that's just for big stuff, the valve adjustments and oil changes aren't in my "log" at all.

[Barry]

I'd be lost without a spreadsheet. Best computer application program ever invented. I log every service operation and minor adjustment down to the smallest tweak on the mixture screws and every drop of fuel going back years with charts to show trends.

There's probably a name for such obsessive behaviour.

[montmil]

I'd be lost without a spreadsheet. Best computer application program ever invented. I log every service operation and minor adjustment down to the smallest tweak on the mixture screws and every drop of fuel going back years with charts to show trends.

There's probably a name for such obsessive behaviour.

Anal retentive.

No, I do not use a maintenance spreadsheet. Wouldn't know the first thing about building one nor do I care to learn. Typical Luddite. I keep a simple Mac Appleworks word process page going for each of the four two-wheelers in the shop. And I do exactly as Matt does... us Texas guys stuff receipts in a file folder and then paw through 'em when we need to remember what or where we bought something. The KISS principal works fine for me.

[Barry]

...mmm  think I prefer mildly obsessive compulsive.

Sounds better.


I can't imagine life without a spreadsheet (well actually lots of spreadsheets) so perhaps it's not mild after all.