Repair SL4 eLED switch

[BradnerBoy]

Can anyone advise on how to actually take the SL4 switch assembly apart?

I flooded it and would like to clean up some of the resulting corrosion without having to send it back to UK.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thx.

 

[driftwood]

It is a b itch. The SL4 body is two pieces that are glued together. Near as I can tell, UK assembled the switch and then glued to two pieces together. Taking it apart is easy, just remove the screw. Putting it back together, working blind with one finger is a trick I never mastered. Ended up sending it back to UK and they just replaced it with a new one.

 

[BradnerBoy]

ty driftwood. That's kinda what I figured.

 

[Scared Silly]

I actually took mine apart and successfully put it back together. It was not easy and lots of swearing. One option for cleaning without disassembly is to just fill it with vinegar or line-a-way. Let it sit and then flip the switch and let it sit for a while longer. Then flip the switch a bunch. This procedure worked for me.

Though recently UK decided to just replace the whole body for me when I sent them in for a light problem.

BTW UK has great customer service.

 

[Scared Silly]

The SL4 body is two pieces that are glued together. Near as I can tell, UK assembled the switch and then glued to two pieces together.

Actually the body is a single piece - the line you see is the mold line.

 

[Polarorbit]

I have an SL4 that had a corroded switch which made it unreliable. I was able to successfully repair it today. It's a pain but here's how I did it:

1. Remove light head and batteries.
2. Remove switch lever by removing the screw and gently prying up on the switch lever.

3. Remove switch actuator by inserting small screwdriver in switch lever screw hole.

4. Remove o-ring from under switch lever.

5. I removed the switch contact in order to clean it. However, it is quite difficult to remove and re-install without damaging the light. I recommend you leave it in place if possible.

Here's what the contact and actuator look like together. Note the index notch on the bottom (I think this is the correct orientation, but I can't prove it, except that my light works).

6. Clean corrosion off the actuator and contact as best you can. I also put some NOALOX on the copper (yes, I know it's for AL-CU wire connections) in an effort to prevent future corrosion.
7. Install actuator in light body, with the index notch down (away from the light head). Do not install the o-ring yet.

TIP: Put a tiny dab of NOALOX on your finger so the actuator sticks to it and you'll be able to more easily position it inside the light body.
8. Install switch lever and screw. Do not install the o-ring. Doing this without the o-ring is MUCH easier and will let you adjust the orientation of the actuator.
9. Install batteries in light.
10. Use voltmeter to check that the actuator and switch lever are oriented correctly. Remove switch lever screw and reposition lever as necessary to align actuator with ON-OFF positions.

TIP: Leave batteries in light; they will help hold the actuator in position.
11. Carefully remove switch lever (remember what position it is in) and install o-ring (make sure it is lightly lubricated with silicone grease).

12. Reinstall the switch lever and retaining screw.
13. Install light head (lubricate the o-ring on the light threads with silicone grease).

14. Turn it on!!!

15. Go diving.