headlight wiring, relays
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
got it.. never had any problem with the alternator on my daughters 87 Stang.
and had one of those Taurus dual speed electric fans on there that sucked power like it was goin out of style
(45 amps to run a fan!!)
Sam
and had one of those Taurus dual speed electric fans on there that sucked power like it was goin out of style
(45 amps to run a fan!!)
Sam
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
Sam, I lived in Houston for almost 20 years. My son had a HO mustang in the eightys having a alternator down low in the steering pump area. When it rained, the under passes flooded and shorted out the alt ($350.00). The relays we are talking about have one side direct to the battery. If it shorts out, the truck dies and flooding/loss begins. I understand the clean look. I just wanted you to be aware of potential problems. Have a great day,Chuck
Sam
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,921
Likes: 1,052
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
Sam
+1 for relays... it's a little trouble to do it and it will make a difference in voltage at the bulb. I plan on relays for all hi-amp circuits... lights, cooling fan, etc. good advise on using identical relays for troubleshooting purpose..and the relay sockets also... any electronic supply store including Radio shack has them... but try to find brand name instead of chinese like RS sells. You might also want to look at circuit breaker instead of fuse in headlight circuit... they will reset automatically when they cool and you won't be stranded on a dark road.
I know you understand all the electrical stuff... but I'll add this here to help those that think relays are black magic..
USING RELAYS TO CONTROL
later,
John
+1 for relays... it's a little trouble to do it and it will make a difference in voltage at the bulb. I plan on relays for all hi-amp circuits... lights, cooling fan, etc. good advise on using identical relays for troubleshooting purpose..and the relay sockets also... any electronic supply store including Radio shack has them... but try to find brand name instead of chinese like RS sells. You might also want to look at circuit breaker instead of fuse in headlight circuit... they will reset automatically when they cool and you won't be stranded on a dark road.
I know you understand all the electrical stuff... but I'll add this here to help those that think relays are black magic..
USING RELAYS TO CONTROL
later,
John
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: 50 miles west of Chicago
When I re-wired my ride I used relays for the usual suspects but I increased the wire size for the power side. As an example the headlights are bright and work well.
But of course without good grounds it doesn't matter what you use.....
jim
But of course without good grounds it doesn't matter what you use.....
jim
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
Sam
+1 for relays... it's a little trouble to do it and it will make a difference in voltage at the bulb. I plan on relays for all hi-amp circuits... lights, cooling fan, etc. good advise on using identical relays for troubleshooting purpose..and the relay sockets also... any electronic supply store including Radio shack has them... but try to find brand name instead of chinese like RS sells. You might also want to look at circuit breaker instead of fuse in headlight circuit... they will reset automatically when they cool and you won't be stranded on a dark road.
I know you understand all the electrical stuff... but I'll add this here to help those that think relays are black magic..
USING RELAYS TO CONTROL
later,
John
+1 for relays... it's a little trouble to do it and it will make a difference in voltage at the bulb. I plan on relays for all hi-amp circuits... lights, cooling fan, etc. good advise on using identical relays for troubleshooting purpose..and the relay sockets also... any electronic supply store including Radio shack has them... but try to find brand name instead of chinese like RS sells. You might also want to look at circuit breaker instead of fuse in headlight circuit... they will reset automatically when they cool and you won't be stranded on a dark road.
I know you understand all the electrical stuff... but I'll add this here to help those that think relays are black magic..
USING RELAYS TO CONTROL
later,
John
Let me google that for you
sam
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,373
Likes: 6
From: Moore (or less), OK.
I was so impressed by MAD Electrical I bought the big kit. I am looking at Rebel wiring also for my truck.
I vote in favor of relays too. Nice looking water resistant unit there. Do they work well?
I vote in favor of relays too. Nice looking water resistant unit there. Do they work well?
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
The relay body is ceramic and plastic sealed, the rubber gasket seals the connection, and the base pins are sealed access to with a rubber boot the wires go thru.
the headlight relays are behind the drivers side headlight bucket
the fan/fuel pump/air pump relays are located at their device.
the normal harness control wire controls the relay.
I have a 6 way fan out connector (autozone I think, each separately fused) down below the battery on the inner fender with separate feed lines to each relay. (fan and headlights closest draw demand, and biggest feed wire)
Sam
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: 50 miles west of Chicago
I used specially sealed relays. search "High Current Sealed Relay Kit"
Let me google that for you
sam
Let me google that for you
sam
Doesn't this kit require a special tool for the pins?? If so do you know how much???
jim
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 956
Likes: 0
From: Bend, Oregon
Sam,
Not to get to far off topic, but you mentioned using a different ignition switch...when I wire my truck can't I just use the stock one?...I'm running rebel wire...also i'm not familiar with relays...not very savey w/ electrical..
Not to get to far off topic, but you mentioned using a different ignition switch...when I wire my truck can't I just use the stock one?...I'm running rebel wire...also i'm not familiar with relays...not very savey w/ electrical..
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: peyton, colorado
I used three relays, two for the lights, high and low beam, and one for the fan. All are mounted on the inner fenders, and are visible. I wasn't as concerned with hiding the wires as you are, I just tried to make them neat. I'm currently (hah!) using a stock sealed beam but plan on upgrading some day so I installed the relays now. All were pulled from late model GM cars in the junkyard. Nice sealed units with mounting brackets. My American Autowire kit had a power feed for the fan, but the instructions say it's just to power the relay. I read the same MAD electrical website that several others did, I just got my parts cheaper. BTW, I ran a small dash switch to the fan relay so I can over ride the temp switch if needed. -Rusty.
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
Sam
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
Just have the headlight wire control the relay instead of lighting the bulb.
Sam
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tilleyman
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Feb 12, 2016 05:48 PM
5280
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Jul 26, 2014 02:29 PM
Country_boy_2007
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
8
Feb 20, 2014 12:20 AM
Joe T.
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Nov 8, 2011 05:29 AM
