Speedo Reset Button (and some other stuff)

[Luca]

Hi all,

I've got my speedometer apart to fix the odo/trip meter.  There is a whole lot of corrosion in there since there is no rubber boot on the reset button (never realized it should have one).

Anywho, It looks like what's left of the bottom of the boot is sandwiched between the front of the gauge lens and the black threaded guide tube.  Is that the case?  If so, I'll order a boot right away so I can get the gauge back together.

Also, one of the small screws that holds on the gauge face was totally stuck.  I was able to get it out with pliers and some help from the freezer.  Anybody know what size these screws are, or if they're available?

[Bob_Roller]

No parts are available, unless you have a 'donor' speedometer to rob parts from .

[Luca]

Siebenrock makes a replacement boot (they've got it on BMW2valve.com).

Hendersen Precision has a button retainer... but it's shown with the button too.  Not sure if thats just for illustration.

The screw should be replaceable with a non OEM part if I can figure the size out.

[montmil]

For really tiny nuts, bolts n' screws, stop by any well stocked model train shop.

[Red_Hen]

Suggest contacting Terry aka Wirespokes - he's our resident expert on instrument repairs.  He's done 2 for me

[Luca]

For really tiny nuts, bolts n' screws, stop by any well stocked model train shop.

Great tip!  I'll give that a shot.  The face screws are threaded into metal, so I hope the hobby world stocks metric.  If not I might have to bring the bugger to my machinist-brother.  If the trip meter shaft is as crusty as it seems I might ask him to turn one out of stainless while I'm at it.

On a positive note, it's nice that the Motometer gauge is serviceable.  I had the speedo apart on a Honda a few weeks ago and the whole thing is a contraption of peened together plates.

One last question.  What's the best way to clean the lens and gauge face?  I was thinking warm water with a mild detergent and blow drying.

[georgesgiralt]

Hummm
I would avoid water.
This paint has suffered bad days, being on hot sun behind a glass and cold periods, down to freezing..
You risk water remove the non well sticking paint.
I'll wipe it delicately using a gentle brush and let it like that.

[Barry]

Metric screws are readily available down to 1.6mm.


Beats me why they put a reset button on the top. Mine is underneath out of the weather.

Is that a an early vs late model thing or is it market dependent ?

[Luca]

Beats me why they put a reset button on the top. Mine is underneath out of the weather.

Could be they changed the gauges for the 81 up bikes.  the LS has no access to the gauge other than the face because of the fairing, so they needed a face reset for that.

I'll give the hobby and hardware stores a shot.

[Luca]

Is that a an early vs late model thing or is it market dependent ?

Just took a look at Bob's BMW and they say their reset button and collar are good for 79-84 R65s.  No mention of the R45.  Or maybe your bike was part of an empty parts bin policy.

[Barry]

Could be they changed the gauges for the 81 up bikes.the LS has no access to the gauge other than the face because of the fairing, so they needed a face reset for that.

That may well be the reason.  I checked through over half a dozen R45 and R65 brochures, period road tests and riders handbooks that had close up pics of the instruments.  The reset button was only every shown on the post 81 models.

[tvrla]

The reset out the front began in 81 with the G/S and R65. The GS also wasn't accessible from the back side.

I find that simple green or dish soap works well on lenses. If there's still spotting, try some polishing compound, then wash again. Another thing that works is vinegar and newspaper.

Be careful of the reset button, it's in two parts that thread together. Not sure why you'd want to make it out of stainless unless it's broken. Even then I've made them out of aluminum rod threaded for a stud. Make it the same length or the button will keep it depressed and the trip meter won't work!

That's a good idea on screws from the hobby shop! The right size screw driver helps a lot, but sometimes they can be a struggle. I think the previous tech used loctite. Normally they're not that tough to remove.

[Luca]

Words from the master!  Most appreciative.

I don't mean to have my brother machine a reset button, I mean the steel shaft with the peened ends that hold the intermediate gears on the trip meter.  The whole thing is rusted together with the trip meter stuck "open."

Stopped at a hobby shop today and got a face screw (not sure if it will fit), the lower screws for the trip meter (look a bit oversized), and a spring for the reset button.  Will let everyone know how it goes.

And P.S. The face screw certainly had loctite, but I think the problem was the amount of moisture that had been in the gauge.  It was bad enough that rust had crept onto the gauge face, though not from the face itself.

[tvrla]

Ok, I'm tracking with you now. It shouldn't be difficult finding some rod the same diameter or close.

Soak the trip meter in Vinegar for a couple days. I'd be cautious about removing the number wheels over rust pits. See if you can dissolve the rust first.

You know, there are places on the net that will sell stainless rod in different sizes. Get some of that and I'll take what you don't need. Maybe I'll check into that tonight. Stainless would be the way to go!

I've run into the loctite before - someone sure wasn't considering the poor boob who'd work on it next!  

I put a dab of paint on the end of the screw if I can get to it, otherwise I'll get everything lined up with one screw fastened down, then drip a tiny dab of touch up paint on the threads. Install the screw, remove the first one and repeat. That's enough to prevent it loosening.

[fbenach]

Luca: a quick question...

about that boot they have at http://www.bmw2valve.com/motorcycle/B-9/6212303.html

Does it only covers the external part os the reset button (like a hat) or do I have to disemble the gauge in order to install it?

I want to buy it, because mine is missing, and I want to avoid water coming inside it...

Thanks!!