Newbie Question on Relays

surfdog4 · 07-23-2007, 07:21 PM

I went to pull the window relay and saw that 1) the top row of relays are all bare..no cases at all..is this normal? I've never seen auto relays that were not in some kind of protective case. 2) i couldn't pull them straight out..is there some kind of trick for pulling these things? I didnt want to force it since i had never pulled this type before, but hate to be defeated so early in the game!

surfdog4 · 07-24-2007, 04:27 PM

Thanks! I didn't think that looked right..i'd never seen bare relays like that before, but I've never owned a 928 either..i wouldn't put anything past those ol' Porsche folks though. I'd love to know what they were up to..the whole top row is like that

Danglerb · 07-24-2007, 05:56 PM

Thats maybe $500 in new relays, maybe looking over the rest of the car CAREFULLY would be a good idea prior to spending dime one.

I'll second what Jimmy said, disconnect the battery first, ALWAYS. Pry gently, pulling out bits of the socket isn't fun to fix.

Any opinions on hitting the whole area with a dose of contact cleaner and lubricant before the pulling begins?

surfdog4 · 07-25-2007, 07:31 AM

it's only the top row of relays that are missing the covers, so it's not that many...but i do know what you are saying about diving into the money pit.

I paid $700 for this car, and it runs fine, so what I'm doing now is taking inventory of everything that needs fixing and trying to figure out how much it will all cost...maybe in "stages"

Stage 1: running, mechanically sound, but not-so-good-looking, some interior features not functional

Stage 2: fixing up the interior

Stage 3: new paint job.

I might switch 2 and 3...if the whole thing looks too daunting I might just slap a cheap paint job on it and re-sell it!

rhjames · rhjames's Garage

I have two boards of relays---don't know if any work, but they're for sale.

Interior parts for sale as well---send me a PM with a list and I'll get back to you on price and availability

Let me know if I can help.....

Danglerb · 07-25-2007, 12:51 PM

I'd skip the cheap paint. It lowers the value to most savvy buyers, and that kind of limits who is going to buy an old 928. Once the original paint is gone, unless its real low mileage or something special, its a parts car.

Take a picture if you can of the relay panel, should look kinda neat with all the covers off. Post some pictures of your $700 prize, we like to see them all.

surfdog4 · 02:53 PM

rhjames...right now I'm still taking inventory on what i need...so please stand by...not sure I would buy used relays..would make troubleshooting a bit more challenging! I do need a gas cap though, do you have one of those?

danglerb..where is your faith, man?? I thought everyone on here had the disease! All Porsches are worthy of restoration, aren't they?? I should have the right to spend $20k restoring a car that is worth $8 like everyone else, right?

Danglerb · 07-25-2007, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfdog4

I might just slap a cheap paint job on it and re-sell it!

I am sure they are out there, but I have yet to see a respray equal to the early factory paint.

$3500 about covers the rubber that should be replaced in a proper respray. It is possible to get a nice looking paint job without replacing all of it, but since the edges around the rubber don't get properly sanded and primed it doesn't last very many years before chips etc. start showing up.

I'm actually looking forward to the time when the supply of nearly perfect low mileage cars is used up and we start to see quality restoration work.

Nothing is wrong with a beater 928 either, drive it an have fun, AND park it where you please. Cheap repaints though I don't like.

surfdog4 · 07-26-2007, 07:13 AM

well after having some good experience with 928 electrical gremlins last night, I ordered some parts and now think my keep/dump decision will be based on how the electrical troubleshooting goes.

(I'm an electrical engineer by training so now this has become a personal challenge..somebody talk me down from the ledge please)

I'm beginning to wonder if Porsche had hired some cast-offs from Lucas when they wired these cars!

Danglerb · 07-26-2007, 08:15 AM

Being an EE shouldn't be too much of a handicap.

I bought a pen probe DMM, which in theory allows a software engineer to trouble shoot electrical problems. I figure it should work much better than simple continuity since many problems are going to be some combination of bad connections in both the supply side and grounds. 11v will light a light bulb, but means there is still a bad connection.

A paper copy of the wiring diagrams sounds essential as well.

Don't waste your curses on Porsche, save them for the PO (previous owner) and the mischief they have done or their mechanics have done. Bad radio and alarm installs are a PITA. Actually even good installs are a PITA.