Hitchcocks Forum

My conti 535 has developed an oil leak from the neutral light switch on top of the engine casing. It's only a weep but enough to make a mess. Not surprised though really because when I undid it, all that's used to seal it is a fibre washer. Coupled with the fact that the switch is made from crazy plastic, I'm surprised it's lasted the this bloody long!
Problem is, another fibre washer will just over heat,go hard and melt, like the last one. The plastic threaded plug is not sturdy enough to use a sealing ring. You can't get a spanner on it properly any how because it sits in a recess. Do I just use a bead of silicone?
Thanks guys

I would use a new washer or clean up the old one simply to keep the switch at the same fitted length, then a smear of silicon each side of the washer should be job done.

No need to over tighten..

Wrap a couple of turns of Teflon tape around the threads. Available at hardware stores.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Tape. PTFE does not stand for Plumbers Tape For Everything. I always have a roll to hand. Costs very little.

Nah, Bosswhite and hemp is the way go.