Neutral switch question

[Smokinbubba]

So, I finally got to the water pump install on my 81i. Couple of weird things.... 1. pulled the front cover off and found a neutral switch in the cover. Didn't think the 81's had them there. Attempted to check the switch before I reinstalled front cover and it would not light the neutral light, regardless of switch position. 2. After the water pump job was complete, bike wouldnt start unless clutch was pulled and neutral light does not work at all. Cant remember if it worked before water pump job or not but thought it did. Thought I could start it in neutral without pulling clutch before tho. I'm thinking the two issues are related just not sure where to look.
TIA, Bubba

[LAB3]

There's a diode (parts fische calls it a rectifier) that's well known to pop and cause that to happen. You can live with it (no trouble) or replace it with a new one, plain jane generic ones are about $5 on eBay.

[WingAdmin]

So, I finally got to the water pump install on my 81i. Couple of weird things.... 1. pulled the front cover off and found a neutral switch in the cover. Didn't think the 81's had them there. Attempted to check the switch before I reinstalled front cover and it would not light the neutral light, regardless of switch position. 2. After the water pump job was complete, bike wouldnt start unless clutch was pulled and neutral light does not work at all. Cant remember if it worked before water pump job or not but thought it did. Thought I could start it in neutral without pulling clutch before tho. I'm thinking the two issues are related just not sure where to look.
TIA, Bubba

The neutral switch works by grounding the wire that runs to it. It does that by grounding the wire against the front cover. If the front cover isn't physically attached to the bike (or at least touching a grounded metal part of it), the neutral light will not function. Have a look at steps 112 through 115 here: How to change your water pump

[Smokinbubba]

Sorry, forgot to mention. I ran a #12ga wire from the crash bar to the front case per the instructions. Got no light, no matter where I set the switch. So I buttoned it back up. I found it weird that an 81 had the switch in the case tho. Maybe a motor swap in the past...
On another note, I think I need a "rectifier" since the temp and fuel gauge are pegged to the left. Will be ordering very soon.
Good news is that the bike no longer overheats!

[MattMcCoy]

If your temp and fuel gauge aren’t working, you likely have to replace the 7 volt voltage regulator.

[Smokinbubba]

rectifier...Ha Ha wrong "r" word!

[Smokinbubba]

7v regulator just ordered. Thx Wingadmin!!

[WingAdmin]

Sorry, forgot to mention. I ran a #12ga wire from the crash bar to the front case per the instructions. Got no light, no matter where I set the switch. So I buttoned it back up. I found it weird that an 81 had the switch in the case tho. Maybe a motor swap in the past...
On another note, I think I need a "rectifier" since the temp and fuel gauge are pegged to the left. Will be ordering very soon.
Good news is that the bike no longer overheats!

If you ground that wire and the light turns on, then the problem is with the switch. If you ground that wire and it doesn't turn on, then the problem is either in the wire running up to the dash, or in the neutral light bulb itself.