REPORT: Low Voltage Relay For Starter Hot Soak Problem

Stunning improvement - kicks in the starter like a rail dragster. Talk about relieving "Exotic Car Syndrome". Oh what a relief it is! One caution though. The factory installed electrical connector that leads back to the ignition key is not an exact fit to the fitting that goes to the new low voltage relay; even though it might seem to be a good fit. First installation attempt left an open circuit.

Did not exactly use a BMFH but you get the idea.

PS: Even if your stock wiring works, reliably starts the car as mine has done for two years? It does not work like THIS. Like starting a 1965 Mustang. Very significant psychological boost for every run!

PPS: The Amazon Price has more then doubled to more then $25 but is worth far far more.

Bosch WR1 Starter Relay

 

I agree owners should consider this as routine upgrade maintenance. My 1986 has almost always started on the first turn of the key but almost always there was a brief interval till it engaged. This year it got 'hot soak' fever. I already had one of these relays on hand [about $12 when I bought it] and it simply eliminated every anxiety.

We mounted it on one of the aluminum pieces that run up and down near the starter and ran the ground wire up and over a cross member and grounded it into an existing screw after scuffing the surface. Used some split plastic covering and a few cable ties.

There was one problem. The fittings on the WR1 were not exactly a match for existing pieces even though they seemed tight. There was an open circuit the first time. I believe it was the lead that attached to the wire going to the key.

 

Amazon

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PS: Bell did a nice custom job using a different relay and mounted it nicely in his upper engine bay. The wiring is not complicated as it might look on the schematic. Very very effective. You can work on upgrading the actual wiring, as my brother-in-law does on his Moto Guzzi motorcycle. But Italian wiring of this era makes Lucas look like NASA stuff.