The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

If adding a relay is analogous to "putting a bucket under a leaky tap", what then is the analogue of "repairing the tap"?

And how is that good an analogy, when the bucket requires repeated, presumably reasonably frequent, action to empty it? Whereas, a relay shouldn't need changing very often; especially, if you use Steve's Victorian engineering solution of bigger is better.

In addition to the relays in the main and dips, I've a relay operating the washer pump. That's because, between the crappy push button on the stalk and the resistance in the ignition switch, it was distinctly iffy in operation. And it was just so much easier and cheaper to add a relay than replace the stalk and ignition switches.

So, given that the problem I have with the normal ignition switch contacts spread to those that operate the starter, I wouldn't hesitate to add a relay for that as well. I might even look for one with a manual option, like on the Herald, that lets me start/restart the car from the engine bay.

Graham

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The 16v Slant 4 engine is more fun than the 3.5 V8, because you mostly drive it on the upslope of the torque curve.

Factory 1977 TR7 Sprint FHC VVC 697S (Now all of, but still needs putting together)
B&Y 73 Dolomite Sprint UVB 274M (kids!)
1970 Maroon 13/60 Herald Convertable (wife's fun car).

When the ignition switch is faulty and causes a lot of trouble I would change the ignition switch instead of adding multiple relais in ignition operated circuits.

Jeroen

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Classic Kabelboom Company. For all your wiring needs. http://www.classickabelboomcompany.com

The ignition switch is the weak link, it's also expensive and getting harder to come by as the years go by. I don't have a faulty or troublesome switch, but to extend it's lifespan, possibly almost indefinitely, why wouldn't I minimize the working load on it by fitting a cheap and easily replaced, widely available relay?

I have a secondary reason on the Dolomega, insofar as i have fitted a pushbutton start facility and disabled the original spring loaded ignition switch "start" position. The pushbutton switch I have used is nowhere near robust enough to take starter loads so a relay is a must!

Steve

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'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.

Also, while replacing the switch may not be that hard, getting the column cover back on is one of them jobs I feel "why put off till tomorrow what you can put off till next week" about.

Graham

_________________
The 16v Slant 4 engine is more fun than the 3.5 V8, because you mostly drive it on the upslope of the torque curve.

Factory 1977 TR7 Sprint FHC VVC 697S (Now all of, but still needs putting together)
B&Y 73 Dolomite Sprint UVB 274M (kids!)
1970 Maroon 13/60 Herald Convertable (wife's fun car).