can the neutral switch itself leak?

[mason79]

i change the copper crush washer and the switch still leaks, does the oil run through the center, anyone had this experience? thanks

[Geezer]

Not on an XS11 but I've seen it on other bikes. The plastic around the brass center post breaks down and then the switch oozes oil.

Geezer

[mason79]

i did it now...

neutral switch was leaking, i put in a new washer a month ago, i look closely today at the bottom to source the leak it was still the switch washer, i try to thighten it and it snapped off...

i removed the(shifter cover..again) to see if i can remove it from the top, but no....

help please

[DiverRay]

I think an easy out is what you need now. The problem is the switch is close to the frame.You may want to try and warm things up with a heat gun, then shoot some "freeze spray" on whats left of the switch. It should then come out easily.
Freeze spray can be had from Fry's Electronics, Radio Shack, or any good electronics store.
Ray

[mason79]

i don't have a heat glun and is the freezing important?

[DiverRay]

The freezing will shrink the steel threaded part still in the engine. It should make it easier to take out.
Ray

[John]

You can use a propane torch on the engine case around the broken switch, and the freeze spray will contract the switch while the engine case stays expanded.

[mason79]

Originally posted by DiverRay
The freezing will shrink the steel threaded part still in the engine. It should make it easier to take out.
Ray

thanks again diverray, took the extractor tap it lighty to seat, used the smallest wrench and it just turned out, matter of fact i didn't think it bit into the metal it was turning so easyly

while i was under there, i chewed up the filter bolt some more with a vise grip, good thing the 11mm socket could and was hammered on and off it came,

the leak bothered me and when fixed will try to make it to solvang!

the crush washer looked as though it seated well on the engine side and an hex impression looked good on the switch side,

1/ how can i ensure the unit won't leak again? the machine surface of crankcase looks smooth as well, what gives?

thanks again for the help!

[mason79]

when i took the shifter cover off this time the shifter shaft sprung out and the spring and bushing with it, and i don't see a good picture in my clymer, does anyone knows how the spring in oriented? any pictures thank you...

[Ken Talbot]

Check out this thread

[mason79]

thanks ken,

can i used motor or vegetable instead of pam which is vegetable oil, on the gasket to seal and prevent ripping on disassemble?

it went in dry the last time, and it ripped...

[Ken Talbot]

I would think any kind of oil should do the trick.

[mason79]

okay i'll pick up some parts tommarrow, but waiting for the filter bolt and housing from andreas, anyhow,

yeah i've read, but need confirmation,

can i use teflon tape along with the crush washer for the neutral switch to prevent it from leaking?

will it hold up to the heat?

and isn't it just plastic or is that what teflon really looks like from dupont?

thank you