Gridgway Posted October 23, 2022 Share Posted October 23, 2022 I have been undoing some mods that the PO did to my xflow to try and make the reversing lights work. I have worked out that the reversing light switch makes an intermittent connection (which is the actual fault). The connection at the end is loose. So I am looking for a replacement and am failing. I am unsure of the designation of my 4 speed box, I think it's a type E. Here is what the old switch looks like:I bought one from ebay which looked the same, but it's the wrong size, as described in the description of this listing...ebay oneBurton has this one Burton one which is the right thread, but wrong connection. It says it can be used with the appropriate changes to the wiring. I've found the right one of the Burton website but it's NLA.On the basis I haven't yet managed to find the right size switch with the right connection, does anyone know what connection that is so I can try and make that work with a suitable earth wire?Or anyone know where to get the correct switch? Thanks and sorry for the long tale! Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted October 23, 2022 Share Posted October 23, 2022 My first choice suppliers would be Redline and Burton Power.You should be able to make that switch with two terminals work by connecting the existing wire to the lamp to one terminal and a new wire to a good earth to the other terminal. (On switches with a single terminal the connection to earth is made through the body of the switch.)Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted October 23, 2022 Author Share Posted October 23, 2022 Thanks Jonathan. I will try Redline, although I'm assuming the switch is NLA.I can make that Burton switch work, but I need to know what kind of connector it is.Cheers Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted October 23, 2022 Share Posted October 23, 2022 Are we both talking about:https://www.burtonpower.com/reverse-switch-types-2-3-5-9-e-f-not-2000e-gbt9545.htmlJonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted October 23, 2022 Author Share Posted October 23, 2022 We are! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted October 23, 2022 Share Posted October 23, 2022 When I built my seven in 1998 with Ford 5 speed, they were changing over the switch from the single press stud connector to double bullit connector. The main change was to add a short earth wire with large O ring connector bolted between the switch and gearbox and a female right angle bullit connector with insulated cover, going onto the switch.The purpose of the upgrade was to iradicate earthing issues when reverse was selected (live goes through the bulb and back to the switch which earths when reverse selected)I understand that Ford used common parts across their gearboxes and the switch is likely to be universal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted October 23, 2022 Share Posted October 23, 2022 Thanks, Ian.I would have suggested/tried bullet connectors but I didn't know how well they fitted.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted October 23, 2022 Author Share Posted October 23, 2022 There's not much space in there so if it's a bullet connector it'll have to somehow be a right angle.I'll order one and see what might fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted October 23, 2022 Share Posted October 23, 2022 Right angle female bullet non insulated connectors are out there but google not being very productive at finding them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted October 23, 2022 Author Share Posted October 23, 2022 Yes that's what I've found.Maybe single crimp on female bullet connectors are able to be bent safely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted October 24, 2022 Share Posted October 24, 2022 How about a ring connector on the wire and an ordinary bullet socket to hold it in place? Or half of one?Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted October 24, 2022 Share Posted October 24, 2022 These were the best I could find in the UK!https://kojaycat.co.uk/epages/950000457.mobile/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/950000457/Products/TB-Angled-Bullet&Locale=en_GB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted October 24, 2022 Share Posted October 24, 2022 Might need to pair with some flag connector insulation covers.whats slightly annoying is that they are on the caterham looms yet they seem unobtainable! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted October 24, 2022 Author Share Posted October 24, 2022 Thanks, those look great, really appreciate the googling. I'll get them ordered! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted October 25, 2022 Share Posted October 25, 2022 Good shout from Ian, but do we know that the diameter of the bullet terminal is 3.9mm? I'm away from my spares box at the moment so can't check.JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted October 25, 2022 Author Share Posted October 25, 2022 I've ordered the switch and was planning on measuring the terminals before buying bullet connectors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted October 25, 2022 Share Posted October 25, 2022 If you get really stuck finding connectors and insulators, you could try MES (Motorcycle Electrical Services) in Warwick on 01926 499756, who make looms for CC. I've always found them very helpful, and who knows, maybe they'd send you a couple of connectors gratis!This is part of their drawing for a Sigma chassis loom (2013). The switch is the standard Type 9 2-pole.JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted October 25, 2022 Author Share Posted October 25, 2022 #17 thanks John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted November 1, 2022 Author Share Posted November 1, 2022 I've got the new switch. Looks like the right size to fit in the gearbox. The connectors are 4.6mm. I think that the 3.9mm ones from #12 ought to fit? Maybe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted November 2, 2022 Share Posted November 2, 2022 I'd perhaps call MES first - they may sell you some or recommend a source. Failing that, I'd buy the others - they'll be a nice tight fit! :-0When I remove the engine & box (dedion, K series & 6 speed) I now remove the switch first as those pins are very easy to knock off manoeuvring a 90kg lump out of the chassis! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted November 3, 2022 Author Share Posted November 3, 2022 To bring this to a close, I didn't get round to phoning MES and ordered the right angle connectors late one night! They arrived and are a fabulous fit. Job is done. Thanks all for the help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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