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Author Topic: Neutral Switch  (Read 971 times)

Offline MrRiden

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Neutral Switch
« on: June 29, 2010, 10:29:47 AM »
Making a repair on a 1983 r65 for a friend who is anxious to have this leaking bit replaced and loan the bike out to her son for his MSF course.
It's been a while and I'm trying to recall if the neutral switch can be replaced without removing the swing arm and hauling the transmission back or if it can be done in place? I suppose I could perform a spline lube while I'm at it if it has to come out.
rich
"We can't stop here. This is bat country".

Offline Bob_Roller

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Re: Neutral Switch
« Reply #1 on: June 29, 2010, 11:00:06 AM »
Rich, it can be done, you need to remove the rear engine mount stud, support the back of the engine with a bottle jack and a piece of wood against the engine, remove the large diameter aluminum spacer, then you have just enough access to the switch to get it removed  .

If you can remember it, you need to freeze the aluminum spacer to shrink it a bit for 'easier' re-installation .

I know Fry's grocery store about a mile from you usually has dry ice, don't know what the minimum amount you have to purchase, you could always make a 'dry ice bomb' with what's left over, might be acceptable, seeing how this coming week end is the July Fourth holiday !!!!!

Here's an explanation for a 'dry ice bomb' if you've never heard of one .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_ice_bomb

Also bevel the outer edge of the spacer to help get it started .

I was told when I purchased my last switch, to only hand tighten it, apply an oil resistant sealant to the threads before hand, it may help prevent the switch from leaking .

Three years later, mine is leaking again so much for that bit of info, my next switch will be from Motobins, they have a 'pattern part', you wouldn't think it would be much worse that OEM and it costs significantly less .
« Last Edit: June 29, 2010, 07:06:59 PM by Bob_Roller »
'81 R65
'82 R65 LS
'84 R65 LS
'87 Moto Guzzi V65 Lario
'02 R1150R
Riding all year long since 1993 .
I'll give up my R65, when they pry my cold dead hands from the handlebars !!!!!

Offline Justin B.

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Re: Neutral Switch
« Reply #2 on: June 29, 2010, 11:32:16 AM »
Rich, I have much sympathy for you regarding this undertaking!  ;)
Justin B.

2004 BMW R1150RT
1981 R100RT - Summer bike, NEKKID!!!

Offline Bob_Roller

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Re: Neutral Switch
« Reply #3 on: June 29, 2010, 11:40:10 AM »
Great timing as well, it's only averaged 110-113 F (43-45 C) here the last week or so !!!!!!

Hope your garage has a 'swamp cooler'  !!!!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swamp_cooler

For those of you wondering what a swamp cooler is .
« Last Edit: June 29, 2010, 04:07:15 PM by Bob_Roller »
'81 R65
'82 R65 LS
'84 R65 LS
'87 Moto Guzzi V65 Lario
'02 R1150R
Riding all year long since 1993 .
I'll give up my R65, when they pry my cold dead hands from the handlebars !!!!!

Offline montmil

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Re: Neutral Switch
« Reply #4 on: June 29, 2010, 02:09:11 PM »
On the 1983 R65, I replaced my neutral leak indicator with a "pattern" switch from Motobins. Cost less the BMW's, Italian made and No plastic!

I lightly beveled the ends of the mondo aluminum tube spacer then cold soaked it for days in the freezer. Problem with the "cooler treatment" is that it takes so long to refit the spacer and that puppy's back to ambient room temp before it's in place. Grrr...

My greatest assist was a HF pry bar to work the spacer into position a wee bit at a time. Tool looks like a big, 14-inch flat-blade screwdriver that has had its tip bent at a shallow angle. Gitcha one.

Big + on the bottle jack. Position the jack to leave room for the wrench to fit into the shallow gap you'll be working in. You do not want to pull the motor mount bolt without supporting the aft end of the gearbox / engine.

Two spade connectors for the switch. Doesn't matter which way you plug 'em in. I used an open-end wrench to put just a slight tug on the brass switch body. I don't buy the "finger tight" install. Heat and cool cycles will eventually lead to a drip.

On the 1981 R65 leak, I replaced the "wet" switch with a short bolt when I went digital gauges. It was still a pain but I didn't have the wires to fight.

Monte



Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

Offline MrRiden

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Re: Neutral Switch
« Reply #5 on: June 29, 2010, 03:25:21 PM »
Thanks for the tips guys! Dry Ice, HF Pry bar and Motobins pattern part. Touche Justin! :-)
Thanks a bunch again!
"We can't stop here. This is bat country".

Offline Justin B.

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Re: Neutral Switch
« Reply #6 on: June 29, 2010, 07:51:05 PM »
Heh, heh, heh...
Justin B.

2004 BMW R1150RT
1981 R100RT - Summer bike, NEKKID!!!