Topic: Neutral/starter safety switch not work when cold?

[Tugboat]

A buddy of mine has a 400A which I know isn't sohc/4.....

BUT, it has that safety switch on it that doesn't allow you to start it "in gear" - just like the 750A. Has anyone ever had problems with the switch "thinking" that the bike is in 1 or 2 when in fact it's in N? And therefore it won't let you start the bike?

I ask because his bike runs great. Starts easy when it's warm outside. But when the temps drop below 45 or so, he has to pour hot water onto the engine - near the back by the transmission - and that seems to fix the problem. Weird.

[raymond10078]

Nope - don't have this problem with my sohc/2.

I would pull the switch, and make sure the plunger travels easily.  It may be gummed up with old oil/sludge.

You'll have to located and disconnect the two connectors - but that would be my first step.