Cable query 2

[Phil C]

Attached are two photos at the light switch end, and one of the part of the buried ignition switch, which I guess is the old socket but does NOT have any bullet connectors a few inches the connected wires. Any thoughts?  Phil.

[Phil C]

So I'm guessing the old loom was pre-'62 style, ie with  fixed sockets, even though the bike is '65?

I'm considering buying a post-'62 style switch, ie with separate socket (with short wires and bullets) and attaching that to my existing loom as per the wiring diagram.  Does that sound reasonable?

I'm not sure how the switch fixes to the tinware in front of the oil tank, so I guess I'll need to check the size of the hole there to make sure it suits.

The only problem I see (I may be missing some obvious ones!) is that putting the switch there will mean putting more wires in the battery compartment area, where space is at a premium. But hopefully that will not be too big an issue.

All thoughts and advice very much appreciated.             Phil.

[JulianS]

I dont think your loom is pre 1962, unless changed by a previous owner, because were there alterations following of the change from distributor to side points for 1964.

The switches are held with the squared nut you see in the photo. This is an 88SA lighting switch with 1961 date and part number stamped on the upper surface. Most lucas parts around this time have a date and/or part number stamped on them

[Phil C]

The bike is 1965, but the ignition switch socket doesn't appear to be the bullet type which were in place after '62. So that's a bit of s mystery. But anyway, I guess more significant is what I'm going to do. As I say, I'd like to have just one ignition switch, I'd like it to be wired as per diagram, and ideally I'd like it positioned in front of the oil tank. So, as I say, I'm considering keeping the existing loom but buying a post-'62 switch and non-integral socket ( with bullets on short wires.) Does that seem a good idea?     Phil

[Phil C]

Further to my previous post, it occurs to me that different switches will have different wiring arrangements. If I buy a switch, how will I know the it suits my diagram?  Phil

[Phil C]

Sorry, of course it will be as the 88SA diagram.  Phil

[Phil C]

Good morning all, I might be trying your patience with this. Buying a new switch and socket (and possibly rivet pliers to repair the oversized hole in the tinware if I were to correctly position a new switch) turns out to be quite expensive. So I'm weighing up my options. One option I suppose is just to leave things as they are. After all, I've ridden the bike - admittedly only for a few miles at a time - without any electrical problems. To recap, I have uncovered, buried under the seat and wrapped in insulating tape, what appears to be the socket of an old ignition switch without an actual switch attached (see photo.) I'm guessing it's redundant. Connected to that old socket are wires:  B at connection 18 (light switch?); GY at connection 17 (alternator); BW at 15 (coil); W at 13 (this W wire is cut to a stub, but maybe once was to coil.)  At the "new" switch (see photo - Lucas, but can't see a number - has spade connectors), are W (coil) and NW (to ammeter?) I'm guessing both these wires used to go to the old switch.

If I just left things as they are, I guess I would have no emergency starting facility? I guess that would not often be needed. What else? Would there be any charging issues, for example, maybe overcharging?  (I've noticed when I ride the bike that over the few miles I go the ammeter doesn't drop below +2 or 3 amps.)

So anyway, if I just leave it, there would be fewer wires going to the ignition switch than there once were. What would be the consequences?  (Photos are of the old socket and the "new" switch.)
Thanks in advance.  Phil

[Blackthou]

Have you checked with a meter if the "old" switch is live?

[Phil C]

No but it's not connected to anything. It is just the socket part of a switch.

[Phil C]

Swathed in insulating tape, so maybe that gives me a clue.

[Blackthou]

Best check really, to be sure and as you say, insulting tape?

Keep up the good work!

[Phil C]

Wires from the old socket are connected to ammeter, light switch and coil. Anyway, just a few minutes ago I was on the phone to order a new switch and socket. When the switch arrives I'll look to sort out the oversized hole.  Thanks for your help, everyone. I expect I'll be asking more stupid questions about something very soon. Phil
PS lovely bit of sunshine down here in Devon this morning.

[Blackthou]

Well done PhilC. SOunds like you've definitely got it sorted. I bought my C15 from Devon, Ivybridge to be precise.