New and annoying neutral switch

[tunnelrider]

Hi all, just wondering if anyone else has had problems with a new neutral switch, I got my one from MB (I'm not bagging MB as this is the first part from them out of about 30 new parts from them that doesn't work properly).

The problem is it takes about 4 seconds to light up after shifting into neutral, hopeless!  It's not the terminals at fault as I've just cleaned and refitted them to the switch for the second time.  I think it must be the plunger part taking a long time to pop up into the neutral cam...  Next I'll try loosening it off a bit.  Anyone else had this before and fixed it?
Cheers.

[Justin B.]

Seems I remember reading somewhere that it is sometimes necessary to "adjust" the "insertion depth" of some neutral switches so they actuate properly.  Maybe yours is right on the verge of not actuating at all?

[tunnelrider]

Seems I remember reading somewhere that it is sometimes necessary to "adjust" the "insertion depth" of some neutral switches so they actuate properly.  Maybe yours is right on the verge of not actuating at all?
                   

Thanks for that Justin, yeah you're right I've had to back mine out over a complete turn to work properly, to give a gap of about 1.5mm from the switch crush washer to the g/box mating surface.  I did test the switch worked before putting it in but now really wish I'd tested it in situ before putting the frame spacer etc all back together!!!

Funny thing is I'm sure I recall the neutral switch came with a note (or maybe it was on Snowbum's site) to not install any additional spacers...  Perhaps I read it too quickly.. But obviously annoyed having to do it again a month later! Oh well it wasn't too hard a job.  Begs the question though why it is the wrong height, there's nothing adjustable on it.

Would I be better to use a standard washer to pack it out or use another crush washer?  That would make it crush washer on crush washer, which I think would work OK.
Cheers.

[Bob_Roller]

Is this switch an OEM part, or the Italian reproduction part from Motobins ??

[tunnelrider]

Hi Bob, it's an Italian reproduction. I can vouch that it doesn't leak.

[Justin B.]

The last one I replaced was from EME and after about 3 years no leaks - knock, knock...

[tunnelrider]

OK job done with minimal curses, radio and cooling beverages might have something to do with that.  Note to self> test your job first!

Additional crush washer was 1.5mm thick, body tightened about 1/8 turn past finger tight, i.e. bugger all.  Switch working as it should! It's the small things in life... he he

[Justin B.]

Super!  Glad you got it sorted out.

[nhmaf]

That is good news and a good tip to remember - I also recall hearing about some switches being slightly different in length/depth, as this part (or similar one) has been in use in numerous vehicles over the years.

[tunnelrider]

I also recall hearing about some switches being slightly different in length/depth, as this part (or similar one) has been in use in numerous vehicles over the years.

Ahh well there you go, I probably misread/overead the note with the 'she'll be right, she only got one washer'....used to OEM parts attitude! 

P.S Hopefully I don't sound like a co*k by saying that but I've had to buy many new parts over a few years, MB so good for their sourcing of original parts I usually go for that and pretty goood price (well compared to any NZ BMW dealer who knows these parts are all overseas anyway, often on back order and probably more expensive they can't see any more reason. Hhhhm, all comes down to demand. Small country, old bike, we wanna sell the S1000!  I wanna ride one!

[mrclubike]

Another thing to pay attention to is that you get the later switch that is normally closed (1976 and newer)
Their is another switch that is  normally open
that will screw in but will work backwards