Gasket Ring?

[Crossrodes]

While I'm waiting for my Allen socket for my steering I decided to tackle a couple of other issues with the bike ('79 model).  There is a switch on the bottom of the transmission...I'm guessing it's the neutral switch.  Oil is leaking from around this switch.  Several questions...

1. It is located in a very awkward place...can it be removed and re-installed without engine removal?

2. The parts diagram calls the seal a gasket ring...Is is truly gasket material or is it an O ring?

3.  If it is an O ring does anyone know the size?  Rather than ride 100km to the BMW store (after I wait a week for them to obtain the part) I'd prefer to buy it in a local parts store and get it installed right away.

[Bob_Roller]

It's a royal pain to replace the neutral switch with the transmission installed, but it can be done .

You need to remove the rear engine mount stud, and the large aluminum spacer that sits between two ears of the engine case .

The seal on the switch, is an aluminum washer, commonly called a crush washer .

[Crossrodes]

Thanks Bob.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

And if you do manage to remove that large spacer, it won't be easy getting it back in (as you will find out when you try to remove it.).

I think I have read of folks putting it in the freezer for a couple of hours before reinstalling.


There are two different neutral switches used on the post-1970 airheads.  They are opposite each other in function, I think.  Regardless - double check your part #.  It should be 61 31 1 243 097.  Wow!  $41 retail on Chicago's site!

The gasket # is 61 31 1 355 262.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0363&mospid=47851&btnr=23_0256&hg=23&fg=05

[Bob_Roller]

If you bevel the edges of the spacer, and cool the spacer,n it will ease the installation, last time, I used dry ice, and the spacer slid right in, no problems .

But It's pain in the butt, however you look at it .

[Crossrodes]

Guys thanks for all the info.  Since I just got the bike licensed and on the road I think I'll wait for the fall/winter to tackle this one.  I don't know the status of the spine lube so I'll probably just pull the transmission and do the switch/washer at that time.

Oh yes...I never did find all the timing marks on the fly wheel so while I've got the transmission out I'll see if I can get at the flywheel, clean it up and mark the timing marks properly... As a matter of fact if all goes well my plan is to pull the engine out and get the frame powder coated.

Right now I've done a rough timing job and have set it the timing up so that it idles around 800 rpm.  I haven't heard any pinging so hopefully I haven't got it advanced to where it will do any damage.

[Yikes]

Does anyone know if it is the switch itself that leaks and needs to be replaced or will just replacing the gasket ring do the job? :-/

[montmil]

If your switch has a plastic body, as does the oil pressure sender, the plastic could be damaged.    Monte  

[Bob_Roller]

The usual scenario, is that the transmission lube seeps through the switch .

I was told by the local independent BMW shop, that the switch should not be installed any tighter than hand tight, with some sealant applied to the threads before installation .

Apparently the design of the switch is not the greatest, and if you over tighten it with a wrench, the plastic innards of the switch break quite easily, then the seepage will start with time .

[Crossrodes]

Good info.  It sounds like the switch itself could be the cause of the leakage then.  I guess just have to bite the bullet on price (Chicago BMW told me they won't ship to Canada so I'll probably have to pay more somewhere else)

[Bengt_Phorqs]

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