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 Ignition Sensor Failure & Oil Leak
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
This is my 3rd summer on my 2007 America... It had 4000 miles on it when I got it and 21000 now. Last week it just died on me on a freeway ramp. After checking fuses, connections, gas flow and every thing I could thing of on the side of the road I pushed it a mile to a safe spot and called for a trailer and waited out two storms.
After the storms I gave her a try and she started up... Only made it about 5 miles before it happened again. Another mile of pushing and some waiting it started again after cooling so I rode to a good loading spot and waited for a trailer.
Next morning, started right up but died once it got warmed up. Started googling and suspected the ignition pick up sensor. Threw the multimeter at it and got an infinite resistance. Now it won't start even dater cooling and sensor reading hasn't changed.
Ordered sensor and started tearing her apart to be ready when I got the part. Took off the right side engine cover but put it back with just the bolts snugged. Also changed the spark plugs while the tank was off.
Still waiting on the sensor and gasket but now I have oil puddling the last two nights under it. Filter area, but I can't find where it's coming from. I know the engine cover is just snugged but it's on the side stand so all the oil is to the left side. Plus I see no trace of oil from the engine cover to above the puddle. Tonight I cleaned the bottom side and will look for the leak again tomorrow but any potential ides?
Thanks,
Jack
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Re: Ignition Sensor Failure & Oil Leak
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
So I've been doing some research about what may be leaking my oil out and I'm thinking it might be the neutral switch... but why now and all of the sudden? What's different?
...and I think I may be on to something. I always park my bike in first gear unless I'm working on it and moving it around. But since I've been trying to figure out the ignition problem my bike has been sitting for a week now in neutral!
Does it follow that this switch could be leaking through because it's not in the normal closed position when parked? Anyone have any experience with this switch leaking?
Thanks,
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Re: Ignition Sensor Failure & Oil Leak
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
So I've been doing some research about what may be leaking my oil out and I'm thinking it might be the neutral switch... but why now and all of the sudden? What's different?
...and I think I may be on to something. I always park my bike in first gear unless I'm working on it and moving it around. But since I've been trying to figure out the ignition problem my bike has been sitting for a week now in neutral!
Does it follow that this switch could be leaking through because it's not in the normal closed position when parked? Anyone have any experience with this switch leaking?
Thanks,
I had a neutral switch leaking I replaced it and the leak stopped. I could never see why it leaked, it looked fine. It was probably the crush washer but I decided to replace both at once so I didn't have to do the job twice.
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Re: Ignition Sensor Failure & Oil Leak
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
How much oil on the floor? I lost about three tablespoons out the right side while on the sidestand, it's possible that loose cover might be wicking enough to do this. Or the neutral switch, but since you didn't disturb it that seems less likely.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Ignition Sensor Failure & Oil Leak
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
Quote:
How much oil on the floor? I lost about three tablespoons out the right side while on the sidestand, it's possible that loose cover might be wicking enough to do this. Or the neutral switch, but since you didn't disturb it that seems less likely.
Only about a tablespoon. And that's where I thought it was coming from too the first time, but I cleaned it up and it happened again the next night. I would think it would all would have been out after I took the cover off and it sat for 24 hours. Won't be able to check my theory until Saturday now as I won't be home until then.
Frustrating waiting for parts while I'm missing some of the best riding weather we've had all year. Plus I'm supposed to be living on a riding vacation the 20th, time is running short to get it fixed and tested out!
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Re: Ignition Sensor Failure & Oil Leak
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
Thanks to a generous forum member that sent me an ignition pickup my America runs again! Tomorrow I pickup a new gasket so I can get her buttoned up and back on the road... then figure out the oil leak.
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Re: Ignition Sensor Failure & Oil Leak
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
Quote:
Thanks to a generous forum member that sent me an ignition pickup my America runs again! Tomorrow I pickup a new gasket so I can get her buttoned up and back on the road... then figure out the oil leak.
YES! Resealed, back together and running well AND no oil leak! Looks like it was just seeping from the alternator cover and I just couldn't see the path it was taking.
Put in new plugs and wires while I was added and woke up some sleeping ponies too. Glad to be back on two wheels.
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