Topic: Servicing a keyswitch (tumblers, etc)

[evanphi]

Is it possible to service the lock/tumblers on our keyswitches? My key is getting difficult to insert. Once it is in there it is fine to turn.

Or should I just order a new switch set?

[lrutt]

I usually give mine a quick shot of WD40 and it works fine. Doesn't take much at all to smooth things up.

[70CB750]

^^ Yeah, soak it with oil and it should help.

[evanphi]

Riding is almost done for the winter, so I'll take it apart and give it a good spray.

[lrutt]

No need to take apart. just flip the little flapper open and give it a quick shot. Not a lot, just enough to make it work smoother.

[evanphi]

No need to take apart. just flip the little flapper open and give it a quick shot. Not a lot, just enough to make it work smoother.

Well the flapper is stuck open. I'll take it apart as much as I can to clean it.

[Gene]

I would suggest graphite as opposed to WD-40 for a lubricant. WD-40 can attract grime, those pins and springs in the tumbler are fickle.  I only suggest this because that's what they used at a locksmith company I worked for - worked wonders.

[grcamna2]

I do take switches apart(the lower part)to clean and put some fresh dialectric grease film on the contacts,it gives it a lot better contact for your electrical system.I spray a little Tri-Flow into the lock section of the switch when i have it apart and let that soak in a good bit and dry before I reassemble the lower contacts.

[Kevin D]

My tumbler wore out, you could see the first pin in the key slot was sideways. I managed to work it back into place but got an aftermarket switch which has been good for 15? years. I was worried that I was going to get home one day and my keys would be somewhere out on the road. The pins were always well lubed, but I think they are soft metal, brass maybe??

[grcamna2]

My tumbler wore out, you could see the first pin in the key slot was sideways. I managed to work it back into place but got an aftermarket switch which has been good for 15? years. I was worried that I was going to get home one day and my keys would be somewhere out on the road. The pins were always well lubed, but I think they are soft metal, brass maybe??

I think the heavy bunch of keys is what wears them fast,I like an individual key on a nice fob.

[jack58]

Houdini lock lubricant in a spray can works very well I use it all the time

[evanphi]

I used some Rust Check. Good penetrating lubricant. Freed everything up. I let it soak overnight, blow it out, and pop some graphite in there, too.

My first pin can also get knocked sideways. It seems like it springs up too high sometimes, then can be knocked over.

[BomberMann650]

+1 for graphite

[Kevin D]

heavy bunch of keys

+1

Don't have that but I do have a rub mark on the frame from the keys swinging in the wind. I took a hacksaw and cut the ears off of the house key, but I think the keyring is the culprit windcatcher. I have the original key for the fork lock, but I'm not cutting that. The switch is in a tough spot tucked under the tank lending itself to off angle entries. On some of the older Hondas the switch is on the side cover and I have seen a few keys busted off in them. Is the top triple where they are nowadays? Think I have seen some high end bikes with the proximity key.

[evanphi]

heavy bunch of keys

+1

Don't have that but I do have a rub mark on the frame from the keys swinging in the wind. I took a hacksaw and cut the ears off of the house key, but I think the keyring is the culprit windcatcher. I have the original key for the fork lock, but I'm not cutting that. The switch is in a tough spot tucked under the tank lending itself to off angle entries. On some of the older Hondas the switch is on the side cover and I have seen a few keys busted off in them. Is the top triple where they are nowadays? Think I have seen some high end bikes with the proximity key.

I just have my two Honda keys on a ring with a small paracord fob. They clip off my 'biner full of other keys.

[evanphi]

I know I'm resurrecting my own dead thread here... But Rhonda's ignition switch has taken a turn for the worse.

The first pin has popped out completely, and web I CAN get it back in place it is often sideways and it makes it difficult to insert the key.

If I leave the pin OUT I can turn the ignition on most of the time... But then I have to take the key back out and put it in my pocket. Then put it back in to shut the bike off. Luckily it can't be turned with a screw driver... 😆

Now I'm REALLY interested in rebuilding this ignition switch. Or getting a new/NOS one. Prefer not emgo for obvious reasons.

[evinrude7]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-CB750-750-Key-Ignition-Switch-125-200-250-350-360-500-550-35010-374-671-/331235804357

[grcamna2]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-CB750-750-Key-Ignition-Switch-125-200-250-350-360-500-550-35010-374-671-/331235804357

That sure looks like a great deal on a complete OEM NOS Honda lock-set .