Oil Pressure Switch Replacement

[Crossrodes]

I replaced the oil pressure switch on my 79 R65 about 3 years ago when I restored the bike.  Now I have an oil leak and it appears to be coming from the oil pressure switch again.  I seem to recall reading somewhere on here about an aftermarket switch that is not prone to leaking like the BMW switch is but I can't find that thread.  Does anyone know what make of switch it is and where I might buy one?

[Barry]

Monte has had sucess with an Italian made replacement switch sourced from Motobins.

[Bob_Roller]

Monte was referring to the transmission neutral switch, not the low oil pressure switch .

I recall, seeing a reference for non-BMW parts for this part, I thought it was a VW oil pressure switch .

[MR.E]

wrap some PTFE plumbing tape on the threads.
It's kept mine dry for 2yrs now.

Hope it helps

[Lucky_Lou]

wrap some PTFE plumbing tape on the threads.
It's kept mine dry for 2yrs now.

Hope it helps

Problem is they can sometimes leak through the actual switch not via the threads.
Lou

[Tony Smith]

 Does anyone know what make of switch it is and where I might buy one?

Go to a supplier of aircooled VW parts and buy a Brazilian/Mexican oil pressure switch. In fact they will be so cheap, buy two, then when it starts leaking, and they all do eventually, you can replace it then and there. A few minutes cleaning the thread, firstly with CRC/WD-40 etc, followed by a shot of aerostart (or equivalent) to ensure clean and dry threads, followed by some Loctite blue on the switch when you fit it will eliminate that early source of leaks.

[Bob_Roller]

The switch (should) have an aluminum crush washer, it's not a tapered pipe thread .

[montmil]

Use caution if attempting to use a VW/Audi OP switch as there have been notes about the www of different, non-BMW matching threads on the after-market parts.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Monte makes a valid point.  Having said that, I replaced the oil pressure switch on my R90/6 with one sourced from NAPA.  Somewhere around here is a thread with the number, but no guarantees it will work for the R65 either.  The correct pressure rating of the replacement switch is critical.

[Crossrodes]

Well thanks for the feedback guys.  I'm guessing with all the potential issues I might as well just go with a BMW switch and be prepared to replace it every couple of years.

[georgesgiralt]

Actually it's kind of a lottery. The first one I got in 84 lasted about 10 years, it's replacement leaked badly 10 000 km later and it's replacement still holds...  And they where same make and model.  So I would go the OEM route and cross my fingers.... After all it is easy to switch compared to the transmission switch...

[Bob_Roller]

It's luck of the draw, my oil pressure switch failed at 2 years, the replacement switch has lasted 31 years, so go figure !!!!!

[Speyman]

Late coming to the thread but, two years ago when my NEUTRAL INDICATOR SWITCH was leaking, I took the advice of one of you gurus and slathered on 5-minute epoxy on the center portion of the switch. I also used a new aluminum crush washer. No leaks since then. It seems it is common for leaks to occur through the body of the switch and not the threads.

[montmil]

The OEM neutral switch has thin, crimped aluminum folded over the plastic switch body. Poor design and/or manufacturing quality control all but stacks the odds against you. A few winners and many losers.

[Matt Chapter]

The OEM neutral switch has thin, crimped aluminum folded over the plastic switch body.

Just received my new neutral switch (motobins repop) the other day.  Looks like a solid design, one piece brass (?) outer with plastic insert of some kind where the male connectors come out.

Now I just need to find some time to install it.