Honda-SOHC

SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB350/400 => Topic started by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 13, 2021, 10:14:17 PM

Title: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 13, 2021, 10:14:17 PM
As you might expect both the earth terminals on my rear indicator brackets/ears are broken off whats the best method to work around this - I can't get enough heat on the bracket to make the solder run to attach a male spade.

1. Drill a small hole in the bracket and bolt on a terminal with a bolt head on the outside so it's not too obvious.

2. As 1 but pop rivet the connection

3. Run an earth from the lamp clamp into a dedicated earth. (You would see the wire)

3. Take the lamp apart and run an earth from the lamp unit.

My lamps are not the originals but the DS type cheaper units.


.(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51468148701_bc46d9f868_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mq4Hua)rear indicator ears (https://flic.kr/p/2mq4Hua) by Macabe Thiele (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187487200@N03/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: Athame57 on September 14, 2021, 01:53:39 AM
I might be considering buying new units, DSS has OE ones.
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: royhall on September 14, 2021, 08:11:50 AM
I usually make up a lead with an eyelet that goes to the screw that holds the bulb carrier inside the light. I usually run extra earths to a lot of the components like that, bad earths are one of the biggest causes of breakdown on these old bikes. Corroded joints to the frame don't pass electricity as well as a direct cable.
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: Seabeowner on September 14, 2021, 08:24:43 AM
500s had a ring terminal that attached to the bolt that clamps the indicator to the stem I think but I have later indicators (marked Stanley) that have an integral earth wire.
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: Bryanj on September 14, 2021, 08:33:37 AM
Dont remember any seperate earth wires on Honda indicators
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 14, 2021, 10:08:13 AM
I might be considering buying new units, DSS has OE ones.

The DS ones are £42 each - not sure they have the connection as it's not shown in the parts photo - that would be a last resort
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: royhall on September 14, 2021, 10:56:36 AM
It's a very simple fix Ted, just a short length of wire and a couple of connectors.
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: wildtapholer on September 14, 2021, 10:59:45 AM
I usually make up a lead with an eyelet that goes to the screw that holds the bulb carrier inside the light. I usually run extra earths to a lot of the components like that, bad earths are one of the biggest causes of breakdown on these old bikes. Corroded joints to the frame don't pass electricity as well as a direct cable.
[I've done exactly the same when I refitted new front indicators I had a earth problem no matter what I did I couldn't get them to earth properly so ran a wire from inside each front indicator to chassis and problem solved./quote]
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: royhall on September 14, 2021, 11:06:32 AM
I do that on every bike I own. I usually end up running earth's to most of the components on the bike. Unless you do a full rebuild or deliberately clean the existing joints, you can't trust earth's off the frame on a 40 plus year old bike.
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 14, 2021, 11:40:11 AM
I do that on every bike I own. I usually end up running earth's to most of the components on the bike. Unless you do a full rebuild or deliberately clean the existing joints, you can't trust earth's off the frame on a 40 plus year old bike.

That thought had crossed my mind Roy last thing I want is unreliable lighting, like on fibreglass vehicles I will go for dedicated earth wires.
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 14, 2021, 04:02:33 PM
I usually make up a lead with an eyelet that goes to the screw that holds the bulb carrier inside the light. I usually run extra earths to a lot of the components like that, bad earths are one of the biggest causes of breakdown on these old bikes. Corroded joints to the frame don't pass electricity as well as a direct cable.

I've just opened up a DS cheaper option indicator & as you say there is a nice screw that attaches the bulb carrier perfect for my connections.
Need to find some wire next with the right earth colour.
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: Bryanj on September 14, 2021, 04:18:56 PM
Green should by easy
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: royhall on September 14, 2021, 04:34:34 PM
Here's one I made earlier. Actually it's on my CB350F that I restored a few years ago.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 14, 2021, 04:48:05 PM
Would 1mm cable thin wall be the right sort or is that too thick is 0.35 or 0.5 better?
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: hondarc166 on September 14, 2021, 05:06:17 PM
   Try Vehicle wiring products for your cable and japanese connectors and insulation covers not to far from you ted at iikeston phone 01159305454 hope that helps
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 14, 2021, 05:25:58 PM
   Try Vehicle wiring products for your cable and japanese connectors and insulation covers not to far from you ted at iikeston phone 01159305454 hope that helps

Thanks for that info - I worked in Ilkeston for about 8 years or so - I'll see if they have a website. They have https://www.vehiclewiringproducts.co.uk/c-1-home/c-82-motorcycle-parts/c-149-electrics

Cheers Ted
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: Bryanj on September 14, 2021, 08:21:45 PM
Bought loads from them but i believe they have changed hands
Title: Re: Rear indicator earth connections question?
Post by: Seabeowner on September 17, 2021, 10:05:28 AM
Dont remember any seperate earth wires on Honda indicators
I don't remember it, but the 500s indicator stub does not have the earth wire attached like the 400. US bikes were earthed through their all round grab bar. CMS shows the extra wire on 500s and some 450s for European market.
As I say I bought new (marked) Stanley indicators many years ago that have integral earth. Presume they are genuine.  Also bought another set of 4 for £45 in Oct 2015. Anyone know if there is still a supply as I don't see any around now?
Indicator lenses are available on ebay marked Stanley, but the disclaimer suggests they are not genuine.
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