Water pump replacement and Neutral Switch Trouble Shooting

[OldRider2]

I'm getting ready to tear into the water pump replacement on my 77 but remembered I had a problem with my Neutral Light staying on. I'd only put a few miles on the bike since getting it back together when I found the water pump was dripping coolant pretty bad. During the few miles I drove the bike the neutral light went out 2-3 times while I was driving but only for a short time. I think when I first noticed it, I had downshifted and happened to look down at the instruments and noticed it had gone out so I don't remember if it was a specific gear that it went out. It has always stayed on during the many engine runs I have done during the last couple of years.

While I have the transmission cover off is there anything I can do to check the switch out or does this sound more like a bad connection somewhere? I had to replace the clutch lever switch with a new one during my rebuild. I replaced the neutral switch with a used but what was supposed to be a working switch 8-9 years ago when I started the project. I also replaced a bad section of the wire going to the Neutral Switch before putting the engine back in the frame. I had checked the diodes quite awhile back and they all were fine at the time.

[robin1731]

Neutral switch on a 77, if it has the 1000 engine still, is not in the trans cover. It is on the RH side of the engine. Does the light go out when you pull the clutch lever in? That is a bad diode if it does.

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[Lucien Harpress]

If you have the motor out though, it's not a horrible idea to check the switch and clean it.

Mostly because it's impossible to get to the neutral switch with the engine still in the frame.

(Signed- Someone who's going to have to do that job at some point in the future...)

[Track T 2411]

If you have the motor out though, it's not a horrible idea to check the switch and clean it.

Mostly because it's impossible to get to the neutral switch with the engine still in the frame.

(Signed- Someone who's going to have to do that job at some point in the future...)

It's not really impossible. Not easy, but not impossible, either. Just saying...

[Lucien Harpress]

Yeah, maybe "impossible" was the wrong word. But still, "really, really, REALLY unpleasant" isn't much of an upgrade.

[OldRider2]

No the motor isn't out and yes I know the switch is on the right side. Reading your replies and one at the bottom on the subject, I need to check the orientation. I don't remember how the flats are oriented but Roncar's post mentioned they are supposed to be vertical. I can't remember if I did that when I reinstalled it....several years ago, I'll look later. I had to take a break working on the bike, my daughter's missing cat, (I like dogs better ), and Honey Do projects got in my way!

[Old Fogey]

Have a look at my page here:
http://www.wingovations.com/repairing-t ... 4579471114

[OldRider2]

Thanks Old Fogey, very informative writeup.