Sidestand Switch AGAIN?!?!

[roncg41677]

I posted a bunch some time back because I was having all sorts of issues with my 01 GZ. It would sputter, backfire and die constantly. After cleaning the carb, cleaning the gas tank, replacing the spark plug and a few other things it turned out the plug for the side stand switch had a spotty connection. After taking apart and putting the connector back together again it ran perfect...

...until a few days ago. It started to sputter here and there a bit, and I didn't do anything at first. Just assumed the switch connector needed to be cleaned again or something. I waited too long, and it died the other day as I was riding home. At first it wouldn't run in gear at all. Perfect in "N", but it would die immediately when I put it in first, just like the stand was down. I made sure the button on the stand was being pushed in, took of the seat and tank and blew into the connectors and made sure they were tight then put it back together. It would run in 1st then, but it still was sputtering, occasionally backfiring, just like it had been doing before. It's sitting in my carport now along with my 92 Seca 2 that is almost road-worthy. I haven't messed with it too much, I'm not sure where to start. Should I clean out the switch somehow, or replace the whole thing? Should I attempt to bypass it?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by roncg41677

Should I clean out the switch somehow, or replace the whole thing? Should I attempt to bypass it?

Bypass should be really easy, with a piece of wire at the connector, just to be SURE the switch is bad and not a bad connector back down the line somewhere. Then I'd be getting a new switch. They can't be THAT expensive.

You could also give it a bath in WD40, work the button a bit and then blow it out with compressed air. That might buy you some time but certainly won't be a permanent fix.

[5th_bike]

I remember that one... it could be anywhere along the side stand circuit. It still sounds like a bad connector somewhere.
Good luck.

[roncg41677]

If it is a bad connector what should be my course of action? Is there a good way to really clean the contacts, or should I look for a new connector and wire it in there?

Easy, I haven't tried the WD40 yet. I'll give that a shot tomorrow. On another note, can you use WD40 to lube the clutch and throttle cables? I haven't done that before, and figured I might do that too.

[Sarris]

I don't think it's that easy to bypass. As I recall, there is some kind of diode (?) in the circuit or switch that is really the culprit. AFAIK, you can't just bypass it without additional problems.

This is from memory and may or may not be accurate. I'm having a senior moment......... Damn, my depends is full again.

:facepalm:

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by roncg41677

On another note, can you use WD40 to lube the clutch and throttle cables? I haven't done that before, and figured I might do that too.

No, not good over time. WD leaves a film which is kind of slick at first but tends to get sticky when exposed to heat/cold cycles and the elements in general. That's why you need to blow it out of electrical contacts when you use it for that.

Better off to get "real" cable lube......or a silicone lube or PTFE (teflon). I like the latter because it is good for pivot points too......and my garage door !!

The answer to your connector question depends largely on why it is bad and HOW bad it is. If it is just dirty, a good cleaning and maybe a slight bend in the right place should clear it up. If it is damaged (bent, corroded, crushed, etc.) then a new one is probably in order.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Sarris

I don't think it's that easy to bypass. As I recall, there is some kind of diode (?) in the circuit

Right you are! Two senior memories are better than one!! :biggrin:

[roncg41677]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

The answer to your connector question depends largely on why it is bad and HOW bad it is. If it is just dirty, a good cleaning and maybe a slight bend in the right place should clear it up. If it is damaged (bent, corroded, crushed, etc.) then a new one is probably in order.

Thanks for all the help ! My suspicion is just that it is really dirty. I never cleaned it last time, I just reconnected it. That got me around 600 miles. A good cleaning will be the first order of business. How do I go about that? Is there a particular cleaner I need to get?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by roncg41677

A good cleaning will be the first order of business. How do I go about that? Is there a particular cleaner I need to get?

Thought we had that covered.......WD40 will do nicely and on connectors; squirt, blow, squirt again; OK to leave some. Plug and unplug a few times. LOOK at the contacts inside the connector. Sometimes they push out the back.

[roncg41677]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

Thought we had that covered.......WD40 will do nicely and on connectors; squirt, blow, squirt again; OK to leave some. Plug and unplug a few times. LOOK at the contacts inside the connector. Sometimes they push out the back.

We may have. When do senior moments start?

Seriously though, thanks.