MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
I have seen one or two posting on here suggesting that an ignition relay may be purchased at places like radioshack and others. Does anyone know the "part name" for such at radio shack etc?? I am contemplating replacing mine quickly to see if this will eliminate my current problems. Can't really go in and ask for a ignition relay for a 1974MGB!
just ask for a general purpose relay, 12V coil, 30A contacts
can also get at AUtoZOne or Advance Auto
They're on the shelf at all auto parts stores.
Generic 12v 30 amp relay, like Tom said.
Try 275-226 or 275-001. I believe the first part number is the one I used for my headlights. And they were made in England!!! (not that other place where most auto store stuff comes from).
Ken
You really, really don't need an ignition relay!!! If you want, visit advanceautowire.com and print out the wiring schematic for the early MGBs. Follow that wiring. The relay was added for the starter solenoid, which is fine, but the igntiion will work better if powered directly off the ignition switch as the early cars did (jumpered at the fuse panel).
The main reason for a starter relay , as I understand it, is to prevent too much current from going through the ignition switch...Not only does this protect the switch, but it protects the dash wiring, inside the car, from carrying so much amperage....(Leading to possible fire damage in the car)....
Most modern cars use a starter relay of some type to protect all the other electrical devices in the car.....
To me , the relay is cheap insurance.
Yep, just get a standard 30A automotive relay from any auto parts store. Wire it up like this and you're good to go:
Brown/White (starter solenoid) to pin 30
White/Red (ignition switch) to pin 86
Black (ground) to pin 85
Brown (constant 12V) to pin 87
Pin cross-reference:
C1 = 30
C2 = 87
W1 = 85
W2 = 86
Jeff,
Thanks I was looking at the schematic, which is pinned on my office wall, after I posted the thread and realise that I don't have one!... I guess I am just getting frustrated with getting my car running again, like it used to until I started experiencing these starter issues. I have gone through three since early summer and the last thing I want to do is burn this brand new one out. I am pretty sure that there is a big issue with my ignition switch which MAY be the route of (or some of) my problems. Once I start the car, I only need to touch the key and everything settles down etc. Right now I don't want to even put the key in and turn it in fear of the worst, or even be out and find myself stranded :-(
Fun and games.
Bosch at NAPA, CarQuest, Canadian Tire, Pep Boys. You name a place that sells car parts and they'll have a relay that works. Relays are pretty much generic. There are numbers associated with the pin outs on the Lucas relay. They will be exactly the same on another brand.
Bob
An alternative ive been thinking about is jumping both terminals on the starter together,,
and then installing a relay like on the TR ..Those (tr ) relays are same design used on farm
equipment have a manual push button also.. Avail at tractor supply houses..Speed equipment
shops have been selling this type as a kit to put on Chev and others..
The button allows you to "bump" the enging..
