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Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
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  #1  
Old 20 Sep 2011
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Oil leak from neutral switch assy on my 1990 XT600E

Hey guys.

My bike is leaking from the Neutral switch assy..
It's that piece that looks like a sparkplug and is located below the CS sprocket and a small cable attaches to it..


How does one replace it?
Should I expect a lot of oil coming out from that crankcase hole?

I was thinking to just clean it out as best as possible and put some JB Weld (Waterweld version).
Would this work as a temporary fix?

I really don't know how the neutral switch works..
If someone cared to explain?


Thanks!
Vando
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Old 20 Sep 2011
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Not the most common of leak but it does happen.

This switch is threaded in like a spark plug and it 'Probably' has a crush washer or an o-ring.

You will need to drain your oil, remove the switch and replace the ring/washer. Obviously, clean the threads and the mating surfaces.

It will probably be TIGHT but maybe easy to come out if it's weeping oil.

The switch is literally a switch. When the gear selector is in the neutral position, a contact will pass over the switch inside the bike and complete the circuit. It's so that little green light shows up on your dashboard and works in conjunction and works with your side stand/clutch lever switch on the starter circuit (so you can't start the bike in gear with the clutch out or with the side stand down)


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Old 20 Sep 2011
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Thanks Ted!

It's actually leaking from that black part on the picture right next to the "copper" tip....

Indeed, weird..Still, bike is 21yo..

I searched the microfiche and it is labled as a gasket but I think it's a copper washer.. (is that what you call as a crush washer?)

I've taken all the plastics and fuel tank off the bike and I was thinking of leaning the bike on it's side, cleaning it up really nice where the switch is located and JB weld the black "rubberish" part and hopefully leak will temporary stop?
Can I do this or does it need to be "loose" so the inside won't stick?


It's just a temp fix because I "accidentally" bought a second pair of raptor 660 carbs for parts....and I'm saving up to pay taxes on my RK x-ring chainkit as it's currently at the Customs depot


Thanks again Ted!
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Old 20 Sep 2011
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Well if it's from that part then I would do what you suggested with the JB weld.

Get it nice and rough though and REALLY REALLY get all the oil and moisture off it or the JB weld will just fall off after a few day/weeks.
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Old 22 Sep 2011
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Well... The leak is definitely from there..

I removed it and put in a bolted bolt with the same size and thread pitch and after 5 hours it still hasn't leaked one drop of oil..

The neutral switch assy was cleaned, degreased, rubbed with some thin grit water-sandpaper, cleaned and degreased again...The JB weld is currently curing so it should be ready tomorrow afternoon...


Will let know how it turned out..

One thing... should I go with a pattern neutral switch assy or buy Original Yamaha part?

It's about 20€ give or take...


Thanks!
Vando
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Old 22 Sep 2011
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I always use pattern. You don't think Yamaha make them themselves do you

It's only a very simple switch.

You could always just leave the bolt in wire the switch closed although you will have to say goodbye to your green light lol
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