Author Topic: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!  (Read 13559 times)

0 Members and 3 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline theofam

  • I'm cold, give me a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 598
  • Suffering from MDD - Mechanical Deficit Disorder
Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« on: April 15, 2011, 02:29:26 pm »
Got my clutch adjusted inside the clutch cover at the nut/flat-tip bolt. Turned the ignition on and no more neutral light?!

Is there any way a mechanical clutch adjustment can impact the neutral switch?  Beyond perplexed . . .

Offline theofam

  • I'm cold, give me a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 598
  • Suffering from MDD - Mechanical Deficit Disorder
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #1 on: April 15, 2011, 02:40:00 pm »
Nope, the voltmeter shows 12.36V off the bulb's wire, 12.3V at the neutral switch, and the diode is working for the clutch safety switch. Ideas??

Offline OneWheelDrive

  • A journey of 1000 miles starts with your first carb overhaul.
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 497
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #2 on: April 15, 2011, 02:43:46 pm »
Have you cracked the shifter cover to see if the metal tang (neutral light sensor) is making contact with the shifter drum?  It's a pretty simple mechanical connection that may just need to be cleaned.
1975 CB550 cafe
1971 CB500 stocker
2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S *sold*
1973 CB350F *sold*
1975 CB550K Project "Keeper" *sold*
2010 Ducati Monster S4RS *sold*
1976 CB360T *sold*
1974 CB550K *sold*
1973 CB750K *sold*
1978 CB550K *sold*
2007 Vespa LX150 *sold*

Offline theofam

  • I'm cold, give me a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 598
  • Suffering from MDD - Mechanical Deficit Disorder
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #3 on: April 15, 2011, 03:00:06 pm »
OneWheelDrive, too bad I'm not near you - I'd buy you a big beer!

I couldn't find anything in the Honda or Clymers manuals showing anything like you just described.  I've not taken off the shift cover, but it sounds like that's next on my list!  If it works, I'll be one step closer to riding the Relay in early May!

Offline OneWheelDrive

  • A journey of 1000 miles starts with your first carb overhaul.
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 497
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #4 on: April 15, 2011, 03:03:56 pm »
MMMM beer  8)
1975 CB550 cafe
1971 CB500 stocker
2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S *sold*
1973 CB350F *sold*
1975 CB550K Project "Keeper" *sold*
2010 Ducati Monster S4RS *sold*
1976 CB360T *sold*
1974 CB550K *sold*
1973 CB750K *sold*
1978 CB550K *sold*
2007 Vespa LX150 *sold*

Offline rklystron

  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 257
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #5 on: April 15, 2011, 03:05:29 pm »
Is this on a 750 or what?
1970 CB750 K0 (Bought in 73)
1972 XL250 (Bought new in 72)
1973 ST90 (Free)
1975 XL250 (Free)
1975 Rickman CR750
1982 CBX1000 Pro-link
1975 CB750 DRAG BIKE
1977 Custom Built CB750 Sturgis Bike (GL front end).
1977 CB750 F2 (Big Resto)
1977 CB750A (Auction Buy)
1978 CB750 K8 (My San Francisco ride)
1984 VFR750 (Bought New)

Offline Duanob

  • Bold Timer
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,986
  • Gotcha!
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #6 on: April 15, 2011, 03:06:44 pm »
You say you're getting power to the bulb wires and no nuetral light? Like Rotortiller sez:

"maybe it's the bulb?"
"Just because you flush a boatload of money down the toilet, doesn't make the toilet worth more",  My Stepfather the Unknown Poet

1974 CB360T
1976 CB550K2 Resurrected
1976 CB550F2 Barn Find
1979 CX500 VG "HONDA-GUZZI"
2007 Moto Guzzi Breva 750ie
2015 BMW F700GS
Another 1976 CB550K Cafe?

  __o
_- \_<,
(*) /' (*)

Offline rklystron

  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 257
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #7 on: April 15, 2011, 03:11:47 pm »
Simple test for a 750. Turn on the key and ground out the center of the neutral switch on the bottom right side of the crankcase. If you do and the switch comes on...Its the switch. If not more than likely the bulb or a connection somewhere.
1970 CB750 K0 (Bought in 73)
1972 XL250 (Bought new in 72)
1973 ST90 (Free)
1975 XL250 (Free)
1975 Rickman CR750
1982 CBX1000 Pro-link
1975 CB750 DRAG BIKE
1977 Custom Built CB750 Sturgis Bike (GL front end).
1977 CB750 F2 (Big Resto)
1977 CB750A (Auction Buy)
1978 CB750 K8 (My San Francisco ride)
1984 VFR750 (Bought New)

Offline theofam

  • I'm cold, give me a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 598
  • Suffering from MDD - Mechanical Deficit Disorder
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #8 on: April 15, 2011, 03:23:48 pm »
Simple test for a 750. Turn on the key and ground out the center of the neutral switch on the bottom right side of the crankcase. If you do and the switch comes on...Its the switch. If not more than likely the bulb or a connection somewhere.

I want to understand what you're saying.  There is a philips head screw that secures the light green/red wire to the neutral switch.  Do I strip ends of a wire and touch the wire to both the screw and the engine case?  If the neutral light illuminates, it's a bad switch?  Just want to make sure.  Thanks!

Offline rklystron

  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 257
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #9 on: April 15, 2011, 03:43:03 pm »
Turn on the key. Use a jumper wire and ground the phillips screw to ground. If the light comes on the Something is wrong with the switch. If not Bulb, a wire connection or diode is bad.
1970 CB750 K0 (Bought in 73)
1972 XL250 (Bought new in 72)
1973 ST90 (Free)
1975 XL250 (Free)
1975 Rickman CR750
1982 CBX1000 Pro-link
1975 CB750 DRAG BIKE
1977 Custom Built CB750 Sturgis Bike (GL front end).
1977 CB750 F2 (Big Resto)
1977 CB750A (Auction Buy)
1978 CB750 K8 (My San Francisco ride)
1984 VFR750 (Bought New)

Offline rklystron

  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 257
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #10 on: April 15, 2011, 03:44:35 pm »
Early bikes do not have this diode. What model or year is yours?
1970 CB750 K0 (Bought in 73)
1972 XL250 (Bought new in 72)
1973 ST90 (Free)
1975 XL250 (Free)
1975 Rickman CR750
1982 CBX1000 Pro-link
1975 CB750 DRAG BIKE
1977 Custom Built CB750 Sturgis Bike (GL front end).
1977 CB750 F2 (Big Resto)
1977 CB750A (Auction Buy)
1978 CB750 K8 (My San Francisco ride)
1984 VFR750 (Bought New)

Offline theofam

  • I'm cold, give me a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 598
  • Suffering from MDD - Mechanical Deficit Disorder
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #11 on: April 15, 2011, 03:47:49 pm »
Mine is a '78 750K.  Thanks for the info, I'll try it!

I was trying to get the gear cover off and shattered my POS impact driver bit.  Note to self, no more tools from AutoZone!


Offline rklystron

  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 257
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #12 on: April 15, 2011, 03:49:19 pm »
Wow that sucks. You know what... you will not be able to see anything from inside that cover anyway as far as this problem is concerned.
1970 CB750 K0 (Bought in 73)
1972 XL250 (Bought new in 72)
1973 ST90 (Free)
1975 XL250 (Free)
1975 Rickman CR750
1982 CBX1000 Pro-link
1975 CB750 DRAG BIKE
1977 Custom Built CB750 Sturgis Bike (GL front end).
1977 CB750 F2 (Big Resto)
1977 CB750A (Auction Buy)
1978 CB750 K8 (My San Francisco ride)
1984 VFR750 (Bought New)

Offline rklystron

  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 257
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #13 on: April 15, 2011, 03:51:20 pm »
Jumper that bugger...lets see what happens.
1970 CB750 K0 (Bought in 73)
1972 XL250 (Bought new in 72)
1973 ST90 (Free)
1975 XL250 (Free)
1975 Rickman CR750
1982 CBX1000 Pro-link
1975 CB750 DRAG BIKE
1977 Custom Built CB750 Sturgis Bike (GL front end).
1977 CB750 F2 (Big Resto)
1977 CB750A (Auction Buy)
1978 CB750 K8 (My San Francisco ride)
1984 VFR750 (Bought New)

Offline rklystron

  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 257
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #14 on: April 15, 2011, 03:52:58 pm »
You might be looking in the wrong place. This will tell you if you are on the right track.
1970 CB750 K0 (Bought in 73)
1972 XL250 (Bought new in 72)
1973 ST90 (Free)
1975 XL250 (Free)
1975 Rickman CR750
1982 CBX1000 Pro-link
1975 CB750 DRAG BIKE
1977 Custom Built CB750 Sturgis Bike (GL front end).
1977 CB750 F2 (Big Resto)
1977 CB750A (Auction Buy)
1978 CB750 K8 (My San Francisco ride)
1984 VFR750 (Bought New)

Offline theofam

  • I'm cold, give me a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 598
  • Suffering from MDD - Mechanical Deficit Disorder
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #15 on: April 15, 2011, 04:29:10 pm »
Philips screw to ground and, drum roll please, no light.

So, bulb, connection or diode.

The diode is working for the clutch safety wire that goes in the other side of it.  Is it possible the neutral switch side is bad?  Any way to test a two-prong diode with a multimeter?

If I hook the positive side of a voltmeter to the wire coming from the bulb/idiot light and the negative to ground, it shows 12.36V.  Doesn't this mean the bulb is good?  If not, I can just swap it with the good oil pressure indicator bulb to verify.

Otherwise, I guess I could pull the wiring harness off, unwrap it, and start checking . . . that sounds about as fun as a root canal.

Speaking of root canals, I've gotta take my 11-year-old daughter and four of her friends to dinner and a movie.  So, I'm going dark for awhile.

Thanks for all your help!

Offline Oddjob

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 337
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #16 on: April 15, 2011, 04:42:30 pm »
Another possibility for you. If there is voltage from the bulb wire then the bulb is fine, the circuit works by a constant feed of 12v to the bulb, it doesn't light until the switch on the end of the selector drum grounds it. So you should have 12v at least on both sides of the bulb, that's if the bulbs not blown of course. The wire run down the harness to the large block connector behind the sidepanel where the sub harness from the left hand casing connects to it. The connections in these block connectors do corrode over time, simple test would be to pull this connector apart and check the terminals on each block, you could even get a wire, shove it down the back of the neutral wire, green/red IIRC, on the main looms block and short this to one of the engine bolts. If the light comes on then it's either a break in the sub wiring harness or the conenctors have corroded in the block connector.
« Last Edit: April 15, 2011, 04:44:12 pm by Oddjob »

Offline rklystron

  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 257
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #17 on: April 15, 2011, 04:48:32 pm »
Swap the bulb with the oil pressure bulb. Yes you can check the diode. Put your meter on OHMS. In one direction it will read open. (No continuity). In the other direction very close to 0 OHMS. If this is the case diode good. Time to start checking wiring. In order to do this you will need a wiring diagram for you bike. It's actually pretty easy. Point a to point b kind of thing. What bike do you have. I can send you a diagram if you do not have one. Also it would be fun to walk you through this, you will be amazed at how easy it really is.
1970 CB750 K0 (Bought in 73)
1972 XL250 (Bought new in 72)
1973 ST90 (Free)
1975 XL250 (Free)
1975 Rickman CR750
1982 CBX1000 Pro-link
1975 CB750 DRAG BIKE
1977 Custom Built CB750 Sturgis Bike (GL front end).
1977 CB750 F2 (Big Resto)
1977 CB750A (Auction Buy)
1978 CB750 K8 (My San Francisco ride)
1984 VFR750 (Bought New)

Offline DarcyCB400F

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 338
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #18 on: April 15, 2011, 05:07:50 pm »
Got my clutch adjusted inside the clutch cover at the nut/flat-tip bolt. Turned the ignition on and no more neutral light?!

Is there any way a mechanical clutch adjustment can impact the neutral switch?  Beyond perplexed . . .

Just my 2 cents worth here but I find it really odd that the bulb quit working after you adjusted your clutch... I think perhaps this is important...

2 cents spent  ;D
1977 CJ360T
1977 CB400F
1980 CB900 Custom
1981 GS550L
1989 DR200R
1998 VT1100C2 ACE
1999 XR400R
2006 CR230F
2007 HD Road King

Offline rklystron

  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 257
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #19 on: April 15, 2011, 05:26:20 pm »
The only thing I can say is Sh$T happens. The adjustment of the clutch has no bearing on the neutral light being on or off. One is mechanical and the other electric. Now if the bike did not turn over (starter switch) you may have something in your idea. If the bike is not in neutral and the clutch lever is not engaged the bike starter circuit is not enabled. (Smart Honda engineers). This is only for the later bikes K5 and beyond  I believe. I would have to look at the wiring diagrams to be sure. If Theofam cheated the neutral switch with a jumper to ground and the Ignition switch was on and everything is good, Diode connections and bulb, the light will come on. That's how it works. If that did not work (Bulb did not come on) either the bulb is bad or a connection to the circuit is bad. Ground coming for the switch or the Black wire from the bulb to HOT. The is nothing else in this circuit. My 2 cents.
1970 CB750 K0 (Bought in 73)
1972 XL250 (Bought new in 72)
1973 ST90 (Free)
1975 XL250 (Free)
1975 Rickman CR750
1982 CBX1000 Pro-link
1975 CB750 DRAG BIKE
1977 Custom Built CB750 Sturgis Bike (GL front end).
1977 CB750 F2 (Big Resto)
1977 CB750A (Auction Buy)
1978 CB750 K8 (My San Francisco ride)
1984 VFR750 (Bought New)

Offline theofam

  • I'm cold, give me a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 598
  • Suffering from MDD - Mechanical Deficit Disorder
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #20 on: April 15, 2011, 06:23:21 pm »
You guys are awesome. Thanks for the ideas - I've got work to do! 

Sshhhh, the movie is starting!

Offline rklystron

  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 257
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #21 on: April 15, 2011, 06:27:30 pm »
Enjoy the movie!
1970 CB750 K0 (Bought in 73)
1972 XL250 (Bought new in 72)
1973 ST90 (Free)
1975 XL250 (Free)
1975 Rickman CR750
1982 CBX1000 Pro-link
1975 CB750 DRAG BIKE
1977 Custom Built CB750 Sturgis Bike (GL front end).
1977 CB750 F2 (Big Resto)
1977 CB750A (Auction Buy)
1978 CB750 K8 (My San Francisco ride)
1984 VFR750 (Bought New)

Offline phil71

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,813
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #22 on: April 16, 2011, 11:15:08 am »
is this thread really this long before even trying to swap the light bulb?

Offline Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er

  • This MuthaF'er is getting to be a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,886
  • Bought her new 4/75
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #23 on: April 16, 2011, 12:09:43 pm »
Somebody get that boy another switch to try!
As of today 3/13/2012 my original owner 75 CB750F has made it through 3 wives, er EX-wives. Free at last.  ;-)

bollingball

  • Guest
Re: Can clutch adjust=no neutral light?!
« Reply #24 on: April 16, 2011, 01:07:20 pm »
Is it me or do you just not want to tell us WHAT BIKE IS IT.