brake light switch
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 5
i was told on saturday when they installed my switch that they were designed to withstand the heat. this is what the service manager told me how true it is i dont know but why would they put the same switch back on with out doing a upgarde to it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 171
From: Simi Valley, CA
And those that are saying that they are putting a plate over the switch, before you put on any plate to keep heat away, ask yourself one question.
"Am I keeping any heat away from the switch, or trapping it?"
Just remember. Any cover you place to "Protect" the switch is blocking air that can cool the same switch.
I asked myself your question, again, and surprisingly the answer is still, yes I am keeping heat away from the switch, and no I'm not trapping heat in the switch. You posted this exact same thing at least twice, so can you please explain your "air cooled" switch theory and why placing an additional heat barrier between the main source of heat, the exhaust, and the switch is a bad thing? Rhetorical question Farley! This is the same switch used prior to catalyst exhaust headers, it worked fine for many years, the additional heat radiating from the catalyst pipe now exceeds the switche's original thermal insulation spec, so HD had to procure a better suited switch with a higher thermal insulation rating that will protect the electro-mechanical circuit inside from the exhaust heat. It's that simple, nothing more to it. You can continue to Kling-on to your beleif about the switch if you want to, but I still like my theory better.
The air passes around the header and over the switch as you ride, and when parked. But by placing a plate over the switch, you are blocking the air flow over the switch, trapping the heated air that is coming off the oil tank. In case you didn't remember, the switch is right next to the oil tank. It uses the air flow to help cool the oil in the tank too. The heat from the exhaust is also radiated and hits the plate. True, by polishing the plate,it will help to reflect the heat. But if you look at most of the photos posted, and the new listing on Fleabay, the plate is painted black. This will attract and trap heat. (Yes, someone has now made the plate and selling them for $19.99)
Last edited by 2black1s; Nov 28, 2011 at 08:16 PM.
I'm going to run a test to see what this heat shield really does, or what it doesn't do. I may complete the test today, but if not, within the next few days anyway. I will post the results and a description of the test process on my original thread linked above when I have the results. Stay tuned.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 171
From: Simi Valley, CA
Ok guys. I'm going to put an end to this question once and for all - I hope. Since I'm the first guy on this forum that I'm aware of to install a heat shield and write a thread about it "MY Fix for the Rear Brake Switch" ( https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ke-switch.html ), I'm going to run a test to see what this heat shield really does, or what it doesn't do. I may complete the test today, but if not, within the next few days anyway. I will post the results and a description of the test process on my original thread linked above when I have the results. Stay tuned.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 9
From: SoCal & West TN
Yes, based on "Short Term" tests.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 171
From: Simi Valley, CA
So you haven't even seen the test results, or the process to obtain those results, and you're discounting them already... This is gonna get fun!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20,880
Likes: 33,804
So I took my bike in and had the recall done. When I went back to get the bike, it was sitting outside the service area with the lights on. I asked the service lady why my lights were on, and she said " they must have forgot to turn the switch off after the test ride." I waited to see if she was going to go out and check to see if the bike would start, but she just sat there. I went back up front for about 10 min. and when I returned to the service area, the lights were still on. I asked her if they were waiting for the battery to go dead so they could sell me a new one. She said she would let the technician know he left the switch on. I figured OK, lets see what happens. 5 min. later the lights were still on. I went out and turned the switch off, and noticed that the saddle bag was also left unlatched. Would you trust this Dealership to do the work on your bike?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
Ok guys. I'm going to put an end to this question once and for all - I hope. Since I'm the first guy on this forum that I'm aware of to install a heat shield and write a thread about it "MY Fix for the Rear Brake Switch" ( https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ke-switch.html ), I'm going to run a test to see what this heat shield really does, or what it doesn't do. I may complete the test today, but if not, within the next few days anyway. I will post the results and a description of the test process on my original thread linked above when I have the results. Stay tuned.
You are going to show, that while using your 'heat shield', that the temps are smaller and the switch will function better... and then remove the shield and show higher temps.
Well, unless the higher temps makes your switch fail, so much for your test.
My 09 did not have catalytic converts on it...and the switch failled twice, others have never had a problem.
Going to look forward to see "what this heat shield really does, or what it doesn't do.".
chuck
Yeah, I've had a D&D Boss on my 09 since it had 2000 miles on it and my switch failed. I don't know exactly when because I didn't notice it till the recall came up and I checked it at about 23,000 miles. I'm not sure heat is the only factor. Hopefully the new switch really is improved and won't fail.