Relay socket insertion help

[kcf7z]

This should not seem to require help, but I am in the midst of installing a relay socket into an empty hole for a cooling fan for a new carrera cooler and try as I might I cannot get it to pop through from behind. Is there a trick to this that I am not seeing. The socket does not seem to come apart and All I am currently doing is marring up the hole and the socket with a flat head screwdriver trying to get it in place. I have decided to stop work for tonight. Probably dumb question, but any help wold be appreciated.

[jeff1hughes]

I honestly would have to look but, not to imply any better knowledge, have you tried turning it 90 degrees? It's possible that it is not exactly square.

[Mitch Leland]

I'm assuming you working on the left side, engine room panel... First be sure that your battery is disconnected before messing with the relays. "don't ask me how I know"... The relays on my "84" the base and relay do not separate like a traditional base socket.

Hopefully someone will chime in with more knowledge...

[kcf7z]

Originally Posted by jeff1hughes

I honestly would have to look but, not to imply any better knowledge, have you tried turning it 90 degrees? It's possible that it is not exactly square.

It is one of the round relays on above the main fuse panel. The relay socket looks like it should just snap in from behind like the others and Wayne's book does not suggest any difficulty with this process - I probably either need to drink more milk or hire a gorilla, but all I know is my fingers are sore with m failed attempts.

[jeff1hughes]

Do you really think that milk will make you think you got it in all the way? How about something stronger, like Tang, I hear it works for astronauts.

[kcf7z]

I'll reask for all the east coast folks that were'nt perusing after 11:00 last night. Thanks.

[MBAtarga]

I added a relay socket to my fuse panel during the oil cooler fan upgrade on my SC.
I stuck it through the existing hole and twisted it, maybe even helped it through by pulling it from the front side.

[kcf7z]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

I added a relay socket to my fuse panel during the oil cooler fan upgrade on my SC.
I stuck it through the existing hole and twisted it, maybe even helped it through by pulling it from the front side.

That's what it looks like. Maybe I need to use more umph. I just got through with surgery for the day - you would think if I can do that - I should be able to snap a relay in place...

I'll go home and try again.

[Jim727]

If you're talking about the factory-type round relay (sounds like you are), there is a cavity in the center which creates a hollow in the mounting nipple. You need a rounded tool, like a rounded dowel, which inserts into the cavity and is used to stretch the mounting nipple. Silicone the rubber and metal bits and press the relay socket gently into the hole with the tool. Do Not use anything sharp or it will penetrate the rubber and you're right back to using a screwdriver.

[Paulporsche]

I just got through with surgery for the day - you would think if I can do that - I should be able to snap a relay in place...

I'll go home and try again.[/QUOTE]

You gotta love it! Here's a guy who performs surgery yet can't do what seems like a simple task on a car whose fusebox design goes back to an old sawmill in the mountains in the thirties!

It's a good thing we love these cars.

Keep at it. The previous suggestion sounded like a good one. And don't forget...we're laughing (crying?) with you, not at you.

[kcf7z]

Thanks

There is an art to everything.
There is the proper technique of which experience is the best teacher and having seen it done or done it before makes a big difference.

Surgery is easy - working on these cars is my way of reducing stress - funny thing to pick huh?

[Wil Ferch]

I'm confused.........if we're talking about the round relay receptacles...heat them up a bit with a hair drier...softens the rubber up a bit, and they snap into place pretty easily then. Be careful not to get them too hot, they also tend to deform or melt. As I recall I inserted mine from the front, not behind, but maybe it doesn't matter.