main switch question

ScottMDMC said:

I am not sure what is happening with some of my posts, I don't see them in the thread. Are they just going to individuals?

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I make that your eighth post in this thread.

Brown/Blue post is at 12 O Clock reference the key hole when turned off. Old Britts sells the entire assembly, around $40.00, just got one works great.

I posted on this same problem last week, no answers suspected that nobody can face another 'which oil'
type thread!
When I looked at AN to see if the switch is still on offer(mine is 1974 850), I found they direct you
to the '75 MkIII switch so it must be interchangeable.
Remember that the switch doesnt include the key part if you spring for a new one.
I disassembled mine easily enough and it is pristine inside. I see nothing amiss. But there is no way
I can get it to energize both the ignition circuit and the lighting circuit AND also offer a parking
light option. Understand that the headlamp is controlled by the toggle in the shell. On later bikes
that switch ONLY controls this, not the parking lamp.
The numbers for each terminal are cast into the back of the switch but they are extrememly small
so use a glass if you are, er, old.
It is all pretty much a mystery especially when it is a very simple circuit. New switch is on the
way so Ill post my finding when it is all sorted.

Looked around today for a universal switch from my local auto parts stores, no luck. The only ones that looked like they would work use those dumb little tractor keys.

L.A.B. said:

CanukNortonNut said:

ScottMDMC said:

I must still have a bad switch. Wired the way you show gives me a constant on tail light and no head light. Switching it to the other config gives me nothing.

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Did you turn your switch on at the headlight shell away from vertical?

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The 850 MkIII doesn't have the headlamp toggle switch.

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That’s for not reading the thread with enough care. I'll just shut my pie hole now. :roll:

ScottMDMC said:

Looked around today for a universal switch from my local auto parts stores, no luck. The only ones that looked like they would work use those dumb little tractor keys.

Click to expand...

I just bought one of these, someone else mentioned it on another thread, they are for the Harleys:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230969560454?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Seems very robust, well sealed, and has better security keys, well if you believe that.

Only OFF-IGN-IGN+Light, so no Park position, but tbh I never used that, just asking for a flat battery.

Peter

I actually bought something similar with regular keys. It is a 3 position, off, Ing. & ing. w/ lights. I think it will work well if I can get the bike to run again. I am getting frustrated.