Using Relays! By smokindawg (Read 876 times)

[smokindawg]

I've been working on improving the charging now that I have my 250 viva actually on the + side.

I gained a bit when I wired in the relay in place of the Blocking Diode. I do however have a problem with the wires going to the R/R getting a bit warmer than I like. I think this may be due, in part, to the small hot wire coming from the ignition. It's actually connected to 3-4 items in the front and then comes back and is connected to 3 more in the back. I think it's way overloaded causing the heating problem.

My plan is to increase the wire gauge to each item, both front and back. I'll then use the single small wire as a trigger and wire each item directly to the battery thru relays. I'll fuse them also.

I'm hoping that I can perhaps gain a little on the charging numbers doing this, as well as helping with the wiring getting hot. I'm sure it can't hurt. Should take some load off the ignition as well.

I picked up 5 of the 5 pin relays on ebay for $13.50 shipped. So it won't be an expensive endeavor.

Anyone else thought about doing this?

[rapidjim]

Whenever I rewire a Motorcycle I always use relays for high current draw and use small gauge wire for signal wire to the relays. Lot less current draw on the switches and so forth. Make sure you fuse them independantly.

I have not seen the need yet to do this to a scooter, however, it sure wouldn't hurt!

Jim/Owner
Rapid Repair

[smokindawg]

Guess I better plan on getting some inline fuses then........ I'm doing this because I don't like the way the hots all run together off one small wire.

I have also found since pulling the wire harness apart, that there is only one fuse in the entire system and it's the one on the starter solenoid.

So fuses wouldn't be a bad idea anyway.

[jalat]

If you install afterwards some electric like 12v socket, digital volt meter, radio, alarm, grip heaters, extra lights, extra leds or anything...
It is good to use relays, fuses and own wires for those electric parts. That's how you can separate them from scooters own wiring. Then if you someday have anykind of electric problem it is much easier to find where the problem is because you can easily disassemble your electric parts one by one just by taking fuses off.

[smokindawg]

Guess I'll run them in conjunction with a small fuse block. I pulled the factory air box, so I have room under the seat to put all this new electrical stuff.

[rapidjim]

Napa sells a 6 position fues block. PN 75137. I am sure they would have smaller ones also. This block uses automotive ATO fuses instead of round glass.

Jim/Owner
Rapid Repair

[smokindawg]

Thanks Jim, I found one at an O'Rielly store here local for $11. Only thing is, I think I have to wire each fuse with a separate hot wire. I'm looking for a small one that I can hook a hot to the block and then run off the fuses. If that makes sense.

I got the 5 new relays, so now on to wiring them in.