Topic: Brake light troubles '72 CL350

[SomnoSpeed]

1st of what will be a great many questions, I'm sure....

I'm an absolute beginner when it comes to mechanics so please be easy on me.   

My tail light works as in it is on when I start her up but it does not get brighter when I apply the brakes. I inspected the connections up to the wiring harness under the seat and did not see any visibly bad connections. What is step one in diagnosing the problem?
I have the wiring diagram but it is admittedly tough for me to follow. Once I get more towards the center of the diagram it becomes pretty unclear for me.
I've also got a problem that my turn signals work but do not blink but I'd say the brake light problem is first on the menu.

Any help greatly appreciated. Especially the kind of help that actually helps!!

[MoMo]

With an ohmmeter or test light check for 12v at the green/yellow wire under the seat when the brake is activated. If there is 12v there you either have a bad bulb or loose connection between that and the taillight.  TS problem is most likely a bad flasher...Larry

[SomnoSpeed]

Thanks for the reply. The bulb is not burnt out it's that both lights are on as if the brake is being pulled. I don't even own an ohmmeter but I'll be picking up one tonight since I've got that on my "crap to keep your bike running" list of things to buy.

Do you think both the brake light stuck on is the result of a poor connection or something else?

[MoMo]

That is different than what I thought.  Check the spring from the rear brake pedal to the switch-it is probably adjusted too tight...Larry

[SomnoSpeed]

Well you were very close, Larry.
While checking the spring I found the problem. The brake pedal is slightly bend and hanging up on the frame where the foot peg is attached. Not by much at all but enough to hang up sometimes. It's a good looking pedal and I'd just assume not have to buy another one so I am thinking of two options. 1: Remove the pedal, put it in a vice and try to bend it some but I am not sure how easily that could be done. 2: Add a small washer to the pivot bolt to create a little breathing room. I am not sure if a washer would work since I do not know if the bolt needs to be 100% screwed in. I don't want to yank that bolt out and strip anything.

Suggestions??

Thanks a ton for your help.
-Casey

[MoMo]

The pedal will bend(we used to straighten bent handlebars).  Use some heat and a pipe bender-if you do not have one a large box end wrench will do.  Have you tried loosening the bolt and sliding the pedal farther out on the pivot shaft? ...Larry

[SomnoSpeed]

Have you tried loosening the bolt and sliding the pedal farther out on the pivot shaft? ...Larry

Nope but I will. I have to run and get a 19 mm socket, I don't have one.   I think it's 19mm anyway.

[SomnoSpeed]

Larry,
I loosened that bolt and that bold and moved the pedal out a tiny bit. It worked! Hopefully things are ok with the brake it's self because that spring there loosened up some when I loosened the bolt. Can't tell right yet though since it's raining cats and dogs out right now.

Thanks again for the help.

[MoMo]

You are welcome.  Again, that is one sharp looking bike..Larry