Author Topic: Rebuilding a CB750 ignition switch  (Read 356 times)

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Offline zabzob

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Rebuilding a CB750 ignition switch
« on: November 05, 2023, 12:44:12 PM »
Options for an old ignition switch seem to be buy an Emgo one and hope it lasts, or buy a used/NOS one for a pretty penny off eBay. Even then, it seems that the seat lock is sometimes included, but the steering lock never is, so you'd have two keys.

Has anyone tried to rebuild their ignition switch? I understand it's got a bunch of plastic components that tend to break. Surely in this wondrous age somebody has a 3D scanner and printer and we could start replacing those.

Asking because mine is "sloppy" in its old age, with barely a real click as it changes positions. I'd love to be able to open it up and replace any worn components.
1975 CB750K5

Offline Sw1ssdude

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Re: Rebuilding a CB750 ignition switch
« Reply #1 on: November 05, 2023, 01:20:05 PM »
I am going to watch this thread as i am in a similar situation.

I found another thread in this forum about making lock tumblers accepting different keys. So they must come out of the lock somehow.

Have you tried flushing out your lock with WD 40 and brake cleaner? Sometimes a lot of gunk can form in the lock tumbler. How does your key look? Maybe it needs replacing?

The things that make your switch click is most likely a tiny springloaded ball, moving from indent to indent as you turn the key. If the ball and spring got jammed up in their barrel you cant feel the indents, also, if the indents are packed with dirt you wont feel them either.

As with all switches: watch out for the tiny coil springs, once they pop out of position, they are gone forever.

If you peel back the rubber cover, you should be able to see the cables being held/clamoed with a metal brace, riveted to the plastic body. Gently pry it open to release the cables. The  you have to fiddle with the two tabs holding down the plate with the soldered copper contacts. Unhook them to get the plate out (watch out, springs on the other side, and very delicate copper contacts!). Once the plate is out you'll see the disc which is rotated by the lock tumbler. In it must be the ball & spring for the click mechanism.

At least if my memory serves right... i did this on an old SL 125 with wonky contacts.

Clean everything, grease very lightly, and reassemble.

Do you have pictures of your lock and key?
It's not a big motorcycle, just a groovy little motorbike...

Offline zabzob

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Re: Rebuilding a CB750 ignition switch
« Reply #2 on: November 05, 2023, 01:27:26 PM »
I don't have pictures yet. My lock is currently working and I'm going to leave well enough alone -- but I think I'll try to snag a use ignition key set off eBay for as little as possible and try my experimental surgery on that. There is a maker space in town that I know has 3D printers, and in general it's pretty easy to find those... I'll have more difficulty getting it scanned.

Also if anything goes wrong with the scan, I have zero talent for CAD programs and it would be a lot of work for me to fix!

But I'm encouraged by your work on your own ignition. I think it's possible. Would be nice to have it documented with any necessary 3D files so anyone here could do it.
1975 CB750K5

Offline HondaMan

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Re: Rebuilding a CB750 ignition switch
« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2023, 03:03:32 PM »
Have you tried to order Honda's kit of the seat and ignition locks? it is
# 35010-374-671
for the 750K2-6.
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
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Link to Hondaman Ignition: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0

Link to My CB750 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&page=1&pageSize=10&q=my+cb750+book

Link to website: www.SOHC4shop.com

Offline zabzob

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Re: Rebuilding a CB750 ignition switch
« Reply #4 on: November 05, 2023, 03:40:19 PM »
Ah, I didn't know they were still available! Something for my Christmas list. My original ignition now has 3 keys because I found an eBay seller for OEM Honda keys. Two keys would be just fine as well. I will call my local dealership and see if they can get the part directly to avoid shipping.
1975 CB750K5

Offline newday777

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Re: Rebuilding a CB750 ignition switch
« Reply #5 on: November 05, 2023, 04:53:38 PM »
Ah, I didn't know they were still available! Something for my Christmas list. My original ignition now has 3 keys because I found an eBay seller for OEM Honda keys. Two keys would be just fine as well. I will call my local dealership and see if they can get the part directly to avoid shipping.
Ebay is not always cheaper than South Sound Honda, nor your local dealer.
#14 $112 includes ignition switch, seat lock and steering lock, w/2 keys.

https://www.southsoundhonda.com/--xpartsstream#/Honda_Powersports/CB750KA_(76)_750_FOUR%2c_JPN%2c_VIN%23_CB750-2540001_TO_CB750-2575894/WIRE_HARNESS_%2b_IGNITION_COIL/b3d05c73-22e7-4620-b018-132301d96b6e/143aefcb-9b8f-4361-8010-5a8222dd1fa2/y
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline newday777

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Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline Rookster

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Re: Rebuilding a CB750 ignition switch
« Reply #7 on: November 08, 2023, 04:26:26 PM »
Yamiya has a nice selection of fork locks.  You just use your ignition key number and see if they have a corresponding fork lock.

https://www.yamiya750.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=246_251_144_78&products_id=2077

Scott