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Pressure swich sensitivity

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 10:55 pm
by mase
I have a 1978 r100/7 and was checking the rear brake lights and found that the front brake lever when applied was not turning on the brake light. I checked the connections on the Master brake cylinder and found the connection weak so I replaced connectors. The brake light now works but I have to apply very heavy pressure to the hand brake lever. should the switch work with low pressure? Does anyone have an idea of what the PSI should be? I can't find any information from websites like AScycles.com or Hucky's Spare Parts. Should I just replace switch at $34.95? Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks,

Re: Pressure swich sensitivity

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 12:29 am
by Garnet
VW Beetles and 60s Volvos used the same switch. I'll find a part number that you can cross over at your local auto parts store tomorrow.

Re: Pressure swich sensitivity

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 12:43 am
by Deleted User 61
Yes - just replace the switch. It may be gummed up with old brake fluid.

Wow! $34.75 at Hucky's!

Fortunately, if you are not too young, it will be the last one you will need to buy for the bike.

Much mo betta:

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/searc ... ght+Switch

Re: Pressure swich sensitivity

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 12:28 pm
by Garnet
Standard Ignition (Blue Streak) # SLS33 is the one you need. You should be able to cross that number to Echlin or Neihoff as Stnadard owns those companies as well. We sell that switch of about $11 in Canada.

Re: Pressure swich sensitivity

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 11:19 pm
by mase
Thanks for all the input. After you advice on the Volvo I looked up the switch on IPDusa.com a Volvo distributor in Portland, OR and found it for $5.50! ;)

Re: Pressure swich sensitivity

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 9:26 am
by Slashsevenpig
I have a 1978 r100/7 and was checking the rear brake lights and found that the front brake lever when applied was not turning on the brake light
Yes - just replace the switch. It may be gummed up with old brake fluid.
I've got a 1977 R100/7, and I found out from somewhere (can't remember) years ago that bleeding the front brake at least once every riding season keeps the brake switch functioning. Might be due to internal condensation causing a formation of crud. Fortunately, it's a relatively easy task, even with the switch being located under the fuel tank (on my '77).
VW Beetles and 60s Volvos used the same switch. I'll find a part number that you can cross over at your local auto parts store tomorrow.
Garnet, thanks for the info! The high price of the switch from the dealer is what motivated me to do yearly brake bleeds.

Re: Pressure swich sensitivity

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 11:09 am
by mase
Yeah, I'll admit it's been a few years since the brake bleed which was part of this winters bike maintenance. So wise advice taken.
Mase