Relay replacement

[KUMARB]

Could anyone please care to comment on pros and cons of replacing the original relays in the engine compartment to newer type of relays?  There appears to be 3 Bosch relays in metal cans, two of them with four round pins and the third one with five round pins. These have metal contactors inside which are prone to pitting. Newer relays are probably better made, less costly, and have plastic covers and flat pins. Any advuce? Other than the need for connection modifications and the loss of originalty, what else could be the down side for this change?

Thanks. 

[wwheeler]

The Bosch relays with round pins are still availiabe and around $100 +/-. I doubt they are better made but require no modifications. Generally, the old ones last a very long time. If the coil is still good, the points can be cleaned with microfine paper, contact cleaner and all is good. That is unless the points are badly burned or pitted.

You can refinish the exterior of the metal can and replace the decals that they came with and it will look new again. See the post below. I have the parts to do this.

 http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=13761.0

[Raymond]

In terms of function, there is no downside.  I recall reading a post from someone who put an inexpensive Radio Shack relay inside the original metal cans.  I haven't needed to search for that for a long time because, as Wheeler said, cleaning the contacts solved the intermittent problem that was developing.

[KUMARB]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

I did not think these relays were meant to be reopened and reconditioned.  Insulation on the coils deteriorates.  I have ordered new rellays. If nayone needs old ones, let me know. Thanks again.

[PeterW113]

Hi, sorry for tagging onto this post, but my windscreen washer water jets are not working and the problem appears to be one of the relays.  The washer jet motor spins when when tested on a bench, but when in situ the relay just clicks. Does anyone know if the relays are reparable ?

Thanks in anticipation.

Peter

[Flyair]

Peter,

you may try to call:
Auto-Electrical 01626364081 or
Si-Leck Autoelectrical 07831 262878, or
AutoMobile 07836712057

They were recommended as specialist for Mercedes cars.

If you decide to replace, I think that these guys offer it at a still very high, but lower price compared to others

http://www.starpartz.co.uk/products/w108-w109-111-w113-sl-wiper-motor-relay.html

good luck

[PeterW113]

Stan,

That's very helpful, thank you.

Peter

[Naj ✝︎]

Hi, sorry for tagging onto this post, but my windscreen washer water jets are not working and the problem appears to be one of the relays.  The washer jet motor spins when when tested on a bench, but when in situ the relay just clicks. Does anyone know if the relays are reparable ?

Thanks in anticipation.

Peter

Hello, Peter,

Thre may be a fault with your column switch or wiring.
The windscreen washer pump runs off the switch. No relays are involved.

Naj

[PeterW113]

Hi Naj,

Just moments before I ordered the relay, looks like I may now have a spare?

Many thanks all the same and I will also investigate the switch.

Peter

[66andBlue]

Peter,
you can test the switch/cables as described here - no need to remove the complete switch - just test resistance between the connector pins:
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/SteeringColumnSwitch

[PeterW113]

Alfred,

Many thanks for pointing me in this direction.

Regards

Peter