82 R65LS fluid drip

[jgp1854]

Since being stored on the center stand for the winter, I noticed a drip of oil/fluid on the oil pan.  I first thought the fluid was coming from the oil pan gasket, but on further exploration, my sense is, it is coming from the neutral switch on the transmission?  I can see fluid collecting there on the electrical line.  Or could it be coming from somewhere else, that I'm not noticing?

If it is the neutral switch, is this something that happens? What is likely the fix, replace the switch and gasket?  

thanks

jgp

[Bob_Roller]

What does the fluid smell like, engine oil, gear oil ?

It's quite common to have the neutral switch leak through the switch body itself .

No other choice than to replace it, when the leak gets worse .

[montmil]

The BMW OEM neutral switch has a plastic insert body. The aluminum exterior is crimped over the plastic. Want to take a guess as to where the leak is? Yep, you're correct.

Motobins sells an Italian-made repop neutral switch that is all-metal (brass and alum) and less pricey than the designed-to-leak dealer part.

Replacing the switch is not the most fun you'll have with an Airhead. You'll need to remove the rear motor mount bolt and the large, aluminum tube spacer. Be cautious pulling off the two wire leads and don't forget a new crush washer for the refit. Please don't be tempted to reuse the old washer; you'll likely end up doing the job twice. Yuck.

[jgp1854]

Sorry for the silly follow up question, how does oil smell vs transmission fluid?

I presume (keep in mind I'm a novice) one needs to drain the transmission fluid prior to removing the switch??

Kudo's to all of you that help guys like me out.  Your consult is priceless.

Respectfully

jgp

[Bob_Roller]

Gear oil has a real strong smell to it, as compared to engine oil .

You can remove the plug/vent/fill port for the final drive and get a good idea from there .

[tvrla]

Unless the bike is lying on its right side, oil will come streaming out of the neutral switch hole once it's removed. Easier just to drain it, then pour it back in once the job is done. Filtering it should remove any metal particles - the normal reason for changing our transmission oil with so few miles on it.

[R65LS]

my oil pressure switch has leaked, requiring a replacement.  Surprisingly, or perhaps not, it is the same oil switch in my 1974 BMW 2002.  Same switch, same threads.

How I replace:  loosen the oil switch till it is Almost removed.  Have the replacement in your other hand.  As you remove the old one, quickly insert the new one.  If you're quick, you won't lose "any" trans fluid.
     Or as you remove the old one, quickly slide your thumb over the hole.  Then slide the new switch into position under your thumb.

Cheers,

Carl

[nhmaf]

Umm, Now we're confused - the oil pressure switch (which is under the left side cylinder) - is for engine oil pressure and is easy to change out.  The neutral switch is on the underside of the gearbox up close to the left side frame rail, and isn't easy to get out without loosening the engine bolt that is next to it.  If it is gearbox oil that is leaking through the neutral switch, one cannot quickly unthread and re-install a replacement neutral switch before the gearbox oil is drained out - unless you turn the bike upside down ;-)  

[Barry]

I have the same problem with the neutral switch except my leak seems very small. If I wipe the drop off it takes a week to comeback so I have just ignored it for now. When I do change it out I won't attempt to juggle switches while the oil flows down my shirt sleeve. I'll just drain it out and depending on how long the oil has been in I will put it back in again afterwords. An opportunity to inspect the filler plug for metal fuzz is worth a little inconvenience not to mention clean shirt sleeves.

[jgp1854]

Another follow up:  when I remove the rear engine bolt, and spacer to enhance access, what will happen with the engine?  Will it droop, slip down, should I support it with a floor jack?

thanks

jgp

[Bob_Roller]

Need to support it with a floor jack, with a piece of wood between the jack and oilpan .

[R65LS]

 WHOOPS !! I got confused !!  I was thinking oil pressure switch .....  never mind.  

Cheers,

Carl