Wiring a Relay between ignition and starter

[DieselSpider]

It occurred to me that I could tap into the ignition wire using two wires, each with a female spade connector on one end (for the relay) and a bullet connector (one male, one female) on the other. This would make the wiring easily reversible, like Greg Smith's headlight relay kit.

I prefer to eliminate the bullet connectors entirely, They are often corroded and part of the "click" problem. I cut off the one on the wire from the ignition switch and crimp on the female spade for the relay. I don't use the relay socket. the wire goes directly onto the relay. I don't use the wire from the bullet to the starter solenoid rather I add a new wire from the relay to the starter solenoid with two new female spade connectors on it. I tie back the unused wire and tape the ends over to avoid confusion. This way everything in the relay circuit is new.

I second that on the bullets. Even though they appear more robust they are the ones I find overheating and burning most often. For a splice I'll forgo the crimp connectors altogether and just use a Western Union square knot splice and solder it followed by water tight Marine Shrink Tubing making sure the sealant flows out both ends.

Caution needs to be observed if one decides to solder directly to the relay since you can melt the solder inside the relay and reduce its capacity or render it useless.

[KevAndAndi]

It occurred to me that I could tap into the ignition wire using two wires, each with a female spade connector on one end (for the relay) and a bullet connector (one male, one female) on the other. This would make the wiring easily reversible, like Greg Smith's headlight relay kit.

I prefer to eliminate the bullet connectors entirely, They are often corroded and part of the "click" problem. I cut off the one on the wire from the ignition switch and crimp on the female spade for the relay. I don't use the relay socket. the wire goes directly onto the relay. I don't use the wire from the bullet to the starter solenoid rather I add a new wire from the relay to the starter solenoid with two new female spade connectors on it. I tie back the unused wire and tape the ends over to avoid confusion. This way everything in the relay circuit is new.

You have made me see the error of my ways. Indeed, the more wiring that is new, the better. Anyway, I have had a hard time finding the correct bullet connectors.

(I hope Bruce doesn't mind my hijacking his thread! I don't think he would, because we are on the original subject.)