Lubricating switches...

[Bazbro_imp]

20-odd years ago, I had a "switch problem" on my BMW (I've owned it 26 years). I took the switch apart, cleaned the corroded contact, then liberally daubed Vaseline all round the moving parts, of this switch and the other one. I have never had a single problem with the switchgear on the Beemer ever since, despite reading about others' woes.

When I recently swapped handlebars on the CB and had to take off the switches, it crossed my mind to do the same, but something held me back. I thought I'd do a trawl of what others think before I go ahead. There are so many products around nowadays that might be better. For instance, I'm a great fan of silicon grease (plumbers here in the UK use it a lot and I got my little tub of it from a plumbers merchant) - would that be better than Vaseline perhaps?

Any thoughts, anyone, on Vaseline, silicon grease or indeed any other ideas? Otherwise it's back to trusty Vaseline!

[GoldOxide_imp]

Silicone grease sounds great to me, and I use Vaseline liberally (cheap to apply) on my cage battery terminals because winters are harsh in my region. For lighter electrical/electronics, I use tuner cleaner/silicone spray lubricant.

[Bazbro_imp]

Thanks GO.

I particularly like Vaseline because its bulk fills up the tiny gaps in the casing where water can ingress the switch. Yes, the tiny bits of visible Vaseline surface get grubby-looking, but that's the only downside I can see.

But I'd just like to get confirmation (or otherwise) from others.

(Ps - where's "The Golden Horseshoe"?? )

[GoldOxide_imp]

Thanks GO.

I particularly like Vaseline because its bulk fills up the tiny gaps in the casing where water can ingress the switch. Yes, the tiny bits of visible Vaseline surface get grubby-looking, but that's the only downside I can see.

But I'd just like to get confirmation (or otherwise) from others.

(Ps - where's "The Golden Horseshoe"?? )

My Google search top reference comes up with this:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Horseshoe

... which is essentially correct.

The horseshoe refers to the western arc region of Lake Ontario. It is the most densely populated and industrious region of Canada. It is also my stomping grounds.

[Bazbro_imp]

Ah, thanks GO. .

[2017EX_imp]

The only thing that comes to mind is that Vaseline is petroleum based and should not be used on or in close enough proximity to get onto anything rubber, as eventually it will degrade rubber. A potential example would be the self canceling turn signal system that partially relies on a rubber pellet inserted into the switch. Silicone lube on the other hand has no detrimental effect on rubber. I still have and use a small tube of Harley Davidson Electrical Contact Lubricant left over from when I had a Harley. It is clear, and about the consistency of Vaseline. Although ingredients are not listed on the tube, I imagine it is probably silicone based.

[max]

with regard to the red engine stop switch i would attempt to clean in between the contacts, have a careful look at the tension with which the contacts close and apply vaseline, it's a proven product, is happy with water and can be removed with brake cleaner if required but many products would work equally well.
the contacts switch 0.1 amps to the " engine stop relay " only.

spray some chain lube in the slot for the most used indicator switch for the mechanism.

The start switch has about 1.5 Amps running to the start relay and is seldom a problem.

long time ago i discovered that a bit of grease on bolt threads keeps them in pristine condition, i see you do the same thing, the likes of the four allen bolts for the handlebars are a good candidate for that because where does the water go when it gets wet?

Would be interested in a picture and your opinion of the red engine stop switch from the inside if possible to provide some insight in it's rare failure mode.

interesting subject this....

[Bazbro_imp]

Great info thanks, Bill - just what I'm seeking. I'll remember that when I look into the switch housings. The cabling is plastic of course, so no probs there. Is the self-cancelling insert actual organic rubber or a squidgy plastic?

And thanks, Max. I'll wait awhile and see if any other points are made by anyone else, then when I do the job, I'll post some pics.

[2017EX_imp]

Great info thanks, Bill - just what I'm seeking. I'll remember that when I look into the switch housings. The cabling is plastic of course, so no probs there. Is the self-cancelling insert actual organic rubber or a squidgy plastic?

And thanks, Max. I'll wait awhile and see if any other points are made by anyone else, then when I do the job, I'll post some pics.

I do not have the self canceling unit I referred to on my bike, But my old High School riding buddy does have it on his 2014. The kit comes with several different size little plugs to insert into the turn signal switch, and yes, he did saw they are rubber.

[Gone in 60]

The Honda VTX was famous for having a bodgy starter button. I would annually pop open the switch housing and coat the contacts in dialectric grease, and never had a problem after that.