Topic: Starter switch

[feliz]

The plastic tab broke on my starter button today sending the button and spring flying down the street. I recovered the button which is useless but lost the spring. I have a spare button but need a spring, anyone ever have any luck finding a spring anywhere, like a hardware store? Also, can these parts be replaced with the switch remaining on the handlebar or is it necessary to undo the electrical and throttle cables which are pushing my mechanical capabilities. I know where i can pick up a NOS switch but I prefer to keep the original as everything on the bike is stock/original and I'd like to keep it that way. It's a K3 if that matters. Thanks.

[Jonesy]

A repro replacement switch button and spring is available from Partsnmore.com for 6 bucks. I bought one and it works well.

If you just need a spring, take the spring out of a clickable ball point pen and trim it to length. It will get you through.

[feliz]

Great, thanks Jonesy.

[TwoTired]

A repro replacement switch button and spring is available from Partsnmore.com for 6 bucks. I bought one and it works well.

If you just need a spring, take the spring out of a clickable ball point pen and trim it to length. It will get you through.

Jonsey,
Was that repro switch single pole single throw or double throw single throw?  Could it be used on the 550's and newer 750s, too, with the headlight interrupter circuit?

Thanks,

[Jonesy]

TT-

It's a (if I have my switch nomenclature right) SPST momentary switch. The replacement part is just the black plastic button (even has the "TEC" logo on it) with a brass pin sticking out of it. It will work with the earlier starter switches (those that either complete the solendoid circuit to ground via touching the handlebars or ones with a starter safety circuit).

I've never had a later "headlight off" switch apart, so I can't say if it would work in that application or not... Sorry!

I will post of pic of it later when I get home.

[TwoTired]

Thanks Jonsey,
If you still have your 78 CB550 then you have the other style of switch, too.  It has three connection terminals on it instead of just two.  Sounds like the replacement you found is just two terminal. (sigh)

Thanks again,

[Jonesy]

The wife still has her 550. Although, I fear she may want to let it go if and when she gets her new Triumph Bonneville...

I know about the '78 550 having that type of starter switch, just never had to have it apart, so I don't know what the button portion itself looks like. (With it being in working condition, I'm in no hurry to take it apart. I have a hard enough time getting the 2-wire switch parts into position!)

[feliz]

In case anyone ever has the same problem and does a search I'll say that I managed to replace the button and spring in the switch without having to undo any cables although it took quite a while to get it all back in and working, space is VERY limited.