Stiff indicator switch

[Reinhoud]

Boys and girl, are there females on this forum?

 

On my GS1000 I've got the light switches of my old GS750 from 1976, so they're 46 years old now.

The indicator switch is getting a bit stiff, what's the best way to lubricate it?

Oil and grease isn't conductive, so I think that's not suitable for the job I guess?

 

Thanks

[imago]

Usually it's a build up of green 'clag' that makes them stiff to operate. So it's strip it down, clean everything and then apply a thin smear of conductive grease. It'll be called di-electric, carbon or just conductive. Like this, but there are plenty of others available too.

[Reinhoud]

28 minutes ago, imago said:

Usually it's a build up of green 'clag' that makes them stiff to operate. So it's strip it down, clean everything and then apply a thin smear of conductive grease. It'll be called di-electric, carbon or just conductive. Like this, but there are plenty of others available too.

Thanks!

[Dezza]

Dismantle the switch, clean and lubricate all the tiny little bits, then reassemble. This is easier said than done. A magnifying glass helps and when taking the switch to bits, do it in a plastic washing up bowl. Then when little springs, contacts, bearings etc. fall out or go ping, they don't get lost .

[Reinhoud]

The switch has been dismanteled not too long ago, was going reasonable after that, but not like new, lately it's getting stiff more and more

[Gixer1460]

10 hours ago, Reinhoud said:

The switch has been dismanteled not too long ago, was going reasonable after that, but not like new, lately it's getting stiff more and more

So - you've re-assembled it wrong! If clean and assembled correctly, they don't become stiffer!

[Reinhoud]

21 hours ago, Gixer1460 said:

So - you've re-assembled it wrong! If clean and assembled correctly, they don't become stiffer!

Not too long is about 1.5 years, it became stiffer afterwards

Edited June 6, 2022 by Reinhoud

[Gixer1460]

52 minutes ago, Reinhoud said:

Not too long is about 1.5 years, it became stiffer afterwards

Even 10 years! They don't become stiffer with age - quite the reverse. Dirt build up, incorrect assembly or something broken would be usual faults.

[FJD]

Funny thing is: some parts get stiff over time, others won't get stiff after time....