Bad Ignition Switch?

I have a 74 850 Mk II with a Boyer-Brandsen and I'm just firing it up for the spring and have had difficulty starting. New battery, fully charged. Gas is new, etc. When I initially turned on the ignition the light would come on, but I noticed if I jiggled the switch it might go off and than come back. Wouldn't fire with the switch lit, however. I than jiggled the switch and it fired on its own. I than kicked it through, it started 1st kick than died after about 1 minute (ran good though). After that I can't get the ignition light to light in either the ignition or lights on position. Lights do come on and everything else works. I noticed the key is somewhat loose and it almost seems that when you turn it to the parking lights position (counter-clockwise) it catches or seems to have 2 positions. I removed the switch and checked the wiring and it seems to be in the right positions from the Old Britts picture. Looks to me like I need a new switch but I don't want to spend the money, about $80 Old Britts, if possibly some other problem. Boyer-Brandsen is new and it ran fine right after installing it in December. Rode well for about 30 miles and than garaged till Spring.

If you don't have to have exactly the same switch as Old Britt's sells, you can buy an Emgo for $10-$15. Fleabay has them for $30-$40. Yours sounds about shot.

JimR said:

Looks to me like I need a new switch but I don't want to spend the money, about $80 Old Britts, if possibly some other problem.

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You could always try repairing the old switch, as they come apart easily enough?

Appeared pretty obvious that switch was bad. Decided to buy new one from Old Britts. Replace and than play with repairing old one. Thanks

Received new switdh fromn Fred and Ella today. Installed it, correct wires on the correct terminals. All lights came on and it fired fairly easy and ran for a short time, idled well than stopped Could not restart. Took plugs out and abserved no spark. Battery voltage high, headlight and tailight works well. Think it might be the Boyer.

That's a common problem, especially the connections to the rotor/stator if they've been soldered as opposed to crimped. I had intermittent trouble with a Boyer that was supposedly newer, although I have my doubts about that. It would spark when kicking it at times, and other times not. Might just be those connections. See what voltage you observe at the coils and jiggle the connectors beneath the points cover and at the coils and Boyer. Since the lights work probably not the switch connections.

As it turned out I should have trouble shot more of the connections before jumping to replace the ignition switch. Seemed so easy! As it turned out it was a connection to the Boyer box that had an intermittent short. Made it seem like the ignition switch when I jiggled it. At least I have a new switch and a spare now.

On the road for the 1st time on Sat April 3. First ride for me in 26 years 3 children and 4 moves later. Amazing how fast it all comes back. Sounds and runs just like it did in 1974. Not quite as clean but not bad. Best part of my day to work and back.

JimR said:

As it turned out I should have trouble shot more of the connections before jumping to replace the ignition switch. Seemed so easy! As it turned out it was a connection to the Boyer box that had an intermittent short. Made it seem like the ignition switch when I jiggled it. At least I have a new switch and a spare now.

On the road for the 1st time on Sat April 3. First ride for me in 26 years 3 children and 4 moves later. Amazing how fast it all comes back. Sounds and runs just like it did in 1974. Not quite as clean but not bad. Best part of my day to work and back.

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no one is going to complain if you post a picture of you on your steed with you're shit-eatin' grin.

As soon as the sun comes back here, rain the next three days.

swooshdave said:

no one is going to complain if you post a picture of you on your steed with you're shit-eatin' grin.

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Seems to be running great right now. Looks like a midget when I park it next to all the huge Harley's.

JimR said:

Seems to be running great right now. Looks like a midget when I park it next to all the huge Harley's.

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Yeah, but I bet a lot of people look at your bike and not all the Hardleys.

swooshdave said:

Yeah, but I bet a lot of people look at your bike and not all the Hardleys.

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They do turn heads don't they!