Stuck switches By rosiemoto (Read 535 times)

[rosiemoto]

After yet another good rain my turn signal switch and kill switch has finally had it. I can force both of them but it feels to the point of breaking it, so I think maybe something in both switches has rusted or corroded. My bike is outdoors 24/7, and this is Florida, so it's BEEN rained on.

WD-40 has worked great for many things on my bike, so my question is can I spray a little dab of WD-40 in both switches to free it up? I've heard conflicting advice on doing that, so figure I'll ask first to be safe. Thanks!

[trashtruck12172]

dielectric grease would be better

[cyborg]

That will be fine,,,, but there's a brand new invention to stop all that kind of stuff,,,it's called a cover,,,,

[rosiemoto]

So then I'm reading yes, I CAN use WD-40 on the switches? Not taking anything apart, just simply squirting a splash in and work the switch around. It won't fry my bike when I go to start it? I'm only so concerned because of some guy somewhere online was insisting WD-40 is horrible to use for kill switches, that it could cause fires or something. 

Seems gently wiggling my turn signal back and forth from center position helped free it for now...it's actually working like new. Weird. I suppose the next big rain would kill it again though.

I used to cover up my bike cyborg, until twice I've woken up to my scooter fallen on its side, because the wind used the tarp as a sail and blew the bike right over. I've seen a couple other bikers around here using their covers and it too blows off after a couple hours. Oh and bugs, they infested my inside of my bike/seat when I had it covered up. Doesn't seem like a good option around here unfortunately.

[Alleyoop]

All you really want is to protect the switchs and they have HANDLBAR COVERs for that.
Alleyoop

[richardv]

I've used WD-40 on motorcycle switches since I discovered it. Many years ago. To use the dielectric grease it would be necessary to dismantle and clean them first. Then grease lightly and reassemble. I would still squirt a little WD-40 once in a while.
Best wishes.
There are small shelters for motorcycles/scooters that are like a tent. I will see if I can find a link.

[richardv]

Here's the link to the storage tent. I had one about 20 years ago that I kept at my wifes house. There wasn't space in the garage like at my house.

www.speedsupplies.com/accessorylistingdetailpurch.asp?item=115582&gclid=CjwKEAjw3sKpBRDJ7rDqzsyuhDASJACZAikitmuNJMVa04QZ2YdRVoRVVVlDApwimaLEMeErNQ41ChoC9vzw_wcB

And for insects I kept a couple bars of Irish Sprint soap laying around. For my camper I cut the bars into quartes and put them in butter cups with holes punched in the lids. Put one by each wheel and tongue jack and two more inside. They say drier sheets work well also. They don't like the smells I guess.

[jct842]

dryer sheets work well under the sheets to ward off spiders too!

[richardv]

Never had spider under there. Something else but not spiders.

[rosiemoto]

Update: I shot some WD-40 inside the switches, worked them back and forth and both switches are doing much better!

[Alleyoop]

Since they are already pretty old I would be proactive and order some new ones they will eventually crumble inside.
Alleyoop

[olivertwisted]

Hey rosiemoto,
I have been thinking to build a mini garage for mine (Rough idea below), out of 2x4s and either wood panels and paint or that lightweight corrugated stuff you see used for awnings. With some weather stripping or caulking to keep bugs and weather discouraged. Maybe, eyelets , a pulley and rope or even a small shock absorber like on a hatchback etc to handle the hatch. Probably, one could catch some materials for free off of craigslist.