Starter Relay

[Dave Bell]

After having intermittent trouble with the starter on the 73, I finally went to the junk yard, picked up some relays. There were lots of Saabs that day that had some nice 25 amp and 50 amp relays... I used one of the 50 amp relays... see picture below... used one of the starter bolts to attach the relay connector to the starter, wired the incoming power, from key switch and alternate start switch installed by the PO, (red and yellow wires) to relay coil and other side of relay coil, black wire to the local chassis ground.

Switched power comes from the starter positive battery post, white wire with the yellow sleeve... runs through the 50 amp relay switch... and back out to the solenoid power connection... 2 white wires running into one...(relay came that way).

Chatting with Bill Greenway, he figured it took about 14 amps through the key switch and wiring to fire up the solenoid... now it takes less than an 1 amp and the power lines are super short.. I will probably add some silicone grease to the relay connector to prevent condensation/corrosion in wet weather.

No more start problems... thought you guys would enjoy the post.

For high power applications, relays are not a bandaid, they are a better, but more costly and complex solution to an electrical power design problem... I think I will put some on the head lights soon also.

- Dave