OK, I got the switch off. As predicted (not by me), there is no sign of internal shorting. Oh well, I always wanted to know how to take them off anyway! Back into the trunk I go, I guess.
What a grimy mess. For those who want to know, the tricks are to remove the crossbrace and the speedometer and kickdown couplings. That makes enough room in the area that you can use a wedge of wood to shift over the tranny to make a bit more room on the side. There is a rotating collar holding the connector in, that has to be persuaded to the right position, then the round plug (with funny angled boot) will pull straight out. Then you can remove the shifter linkage, yes the bolt must be entirely removed. (Same as for the speedometer cable.) With enough scrubbing in the area I found the two 10mm bolts that hold it in, one's above the shifter linkage and the other is above the connector. Then the whole thing pops off, and is ready for the solvent tank. (I didn't immerse it, just scrubbed it under the flow.) While it feels kind of nasty for a switch, there was no sign of electrical problems. At least it's clean now! It's pretty solidly riveted together, in the absence of any overt problems I don't think I'll go in. I noticed that there are some missing rubber clamp buffers on the fuel lines. Will add it to the list. -- Jim
