Starter Switch

[Jamtndll]

I need to replace the starter switch on my 3rd gen.  My lights are not coming on again.  Does anyone have one laying around that you are not using, or suggest on where I can find one.
Thanks,
Jim

[Charles S Otwell]

Have you tried taking it apart and cleaning it? not a bad job..

[Jamtndll]

I have done that about 3 times in the past year, the last time at MOOTMag 8

[Charles S Otwell]

Just curious, did you take it apart and emory the contacts are just spray clean it?

[Jamtndll]

The contacts have slipped from the middle and moved to one side a little.  I am planning on taking it apart again tomorrow and use an emory board, while i am working a garage sale. Will let you know how it goes.

[lragan]

I generally avoid using emory board or paper to clean contacts, as emory is conductive. I use a fine grit (>400) sandpaper, and wash it off with contact cleaner when I am finished.

If the switch is broken so the contacts don't line up properly, all the cleaning will make no difference.  I understand that what is failing is the normally closed contacts which open to turn off your headlight when you hit the starter switch. 

Wish I had one to ship to you, but I don't.

Good luck with it, Jim

[hootmon]

I replaced mine a while back (I didn't know you could take them apart)..
I bought a used one on-line, I think it was about $50.
There are a number of sights that you list the part you want and they send the request out to a bunch of junk yards and the junk yards e-mail you IF they have the part..
Sorry I didn't keep my old one..

[Charles S Otwell]

Hondaparts-direct is H&W Honda, take the part number in and you can get it from the parts department for $53.88. Isn't there an H&W Honda in Marshall?
http://www.hondaparts-direct.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=171222&category=MOTORCYCLES&make=HONDA&year=1997&fveh=3921

[drkngas]

The contacts have slipped from the middle and moved to one side a little.  I am planning on taking it apart again tomorrow and use an emory board, while i am working a garage sale. Will let you know how it goes.

I would avoid emory (and sand paper) too.  Stop by Radio Shack and get a burnishing tool and polish the contacts. They'll last longer.

Here's one:    http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/22-910&CAWELAID=240969661

[Charles S Otwell]

I guess I've been doing it wrong for forty five years, there never seems to be a burnishing tool handy when I need one but there is always a worn out emory board and I'm going on two years with the last cleaning. Kinda figured I got my moneys worth. If you've ever been broke down in a parking lot with a set of burnt points, you'll use anything you can get your hands on, and if there is a woman within a 100 yds you'll find an emory board.

[Jamtndll]

Ordered part today.  So in a couple of weeks I will be having a wrench session in East Texas for this and minor things.

[drkngas]

if there is a woman within a 100 yds you'll find an emory board.

wasnt thinking like that! And if you look like a hard-core biker, you might find mace!

[Charles S Otwell]

well back when cars had points, women still trusted men ..

Ordered part today.

How much did the switch end up costing?

[Jamtndll]

69 including tax and shipping, also took mine apart today and and cleaned and used the emory board since i purchased another one.  Also changed the fuse out it looked a little worn.  Lights working great now.  I will change the unit out when this fix quits working.