Moisture in instrument gauge

[Siouxzy]

[size=12]the speedo on my 82 LS has developed condensation- even after riding in hot dry sun for several hours, it is moist under the glass-

Any suggestions for drying it out and sealing it so it won't happen again?

Thanks
Sioux [/size] [smiley=cool.gif] [smiley=cool.gif

[Justin B.]

Welcome to our little Asylum, where I assure you the inmates HAVE taken over.  [smiley=mad.gif] Is the little rubber "nipple" gone over top of the trip meter reset button?  If so then you'll never be able to keep moisture/water out of it...

[Siouxzy]

there's supposed to be a little rubber nipple??? YIKES! There is not- AND ever since I got the bike (last september) resetting the trip odometer has been a challenge. When I press it it does NOT reset to 00000
the numbers jump a little bit and I have to keep tapping it over and over again to get it to go to all 00000's. As a matter of fact, some times it hangs up between the 0 and 1 and then doesn't move- so I have to keep tapping it (while I am riding......) to get it to reset. I am sure with moisture getting in there that it will get worse.

You are saying that I cannot replace the little rubber nipple???

[smiley=thud.gif] [smiley=thud.gif]

Thanks

[Justin B.]

Hmmm, sounds like the little odometer gear inside the speedo needs some attention, this is pretty much a PITA as the R65 speedo is kinda hard to get apart.  The same issue plagues the R100 speedos as well but they are easier to repair.  As far as the nipple, they are not available seperately but I think Sue has constructed one from readily available materials, IIRC...

[suecanada]

I actually still had the rubber cover and it was virtually unattachable until I used velcro on the speedo face plate and on the rubber nipple. What to use...if you don't have one.....hmmmm....not sure but keep your eye out ...maybe some number pad push covers.   That original rubber nipple evidently had a mounting base that did once waterproof the hole... the base was ripped and hanging on by a thread when I got the bike.  When you get the trip odometer working again make sure you push it such that the zero's 0000 line up perfectly...otherwise mine did not rotate. I always push the trip when I am stopped and NOT running.

I dried my speedo out in the oven at very very low temp for a couple days, then after working on the insides to clean and fix things I only crimped the bevel that holds the thing together a couple of spots rather than all around, then I used duct tape all around the bezel; then I black siliconed all around the glass to instrument housing. So far no rain has entered inside.

[Siouxzy]

[size=12]Thanks sue- I will keep my eyes and mind open to coming up with a rubber cover for the button. I have black silicone---  
[/size]
Sioux [smiley=1drink.gif]

[nhmaf]

I'll start looking in some of my electronics supply catalogs - there are some companies that
mfgr these rubber gizmos to seal switches in industrial-use equipment.     Might not find
one that is an exact fit, but maybe something that can be made to work.....

And, I could probably then resell them on ebay for a mint !

(naw, I wouldn't do that to anyone in a jam)
 

[Justin B.]

I have looked through several sources and so far haven't found anything I thought would work.  All of the rubber boots for switches seem to be either too big or somewhat stiff.  I looked at the speedo on a '95 R10R and it has the same type of nipple but the parts book doesn't break that speedo down either...

[MrRiden]

Short of opening the speed o up you'll never get it to dry out in the Hudson Valley. I use to live there. Moisture has already started to attack the gear shafts from the sound of it. I'm willing to wager that if you dismount the gauge you'll get a tablespoon of water pouring out the trip knob. Forget the rubber for now and plan on opening up the cover for  inspection and perhaps a mist of WD40. The price of a new clock should inspire you. Or you could ship it here to the desert. 1 day out in the sun and I garuntee no more water left inside. Have you had a look at the color of your transmission gear oil. It's related.
rich

[Justin B.]

Rich, does the schematic of the cow explain why the rear squats when you give it the gas?   [smiley=Oscar.gif]

[fixer]

simple. move to Vegas, problem solved!  

[tagordon]

I noticed this condition also. It is not at the top of my list presently.
But my thought is to use:

http://www.plastidip.com/consumer/index.html

to fabricate a moistureproof housing.

I love this product. Many uses other than tool handles.
Last I bought was from my bolt & nut specialty store.

HTH
Troy

[nhmaf]

Hey, that plastidip sounds like a very promising idea - especially if one had some sort of
mold or model to make of the boot cover.

I've found a number of pushbutton rubber boots, but so far the bottom section of them
doesn't seem to be the proper diameter.

[tagordon]

I would suggest using the button itself. Coat it with some WD then cover with plastic wrap. Attach a straightened paper clip to the top with a tiny bit of silicon caulk so it can be removed easily afterwards. Then dip in PlastiDip to form the boot/cover. Once cured slid it off the button & trim to look pretty. A small grommet can be attached with adhesive to complete the part. I recommend loading some plumbers goop in a syringe for accurate application. Check it out here: http://www.amazinggoop.com/amazinggoop/index.html

At least that is my theoretical solution.

HTH
Troy

"Mater Artium Necessitas"
(Necessity is the Mother of Invention)