[DML] Re: RPM Relay - A Modern Alternative

["David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am not trying to discourage anyone from trying to improve the
Delorean. In fact I am doing the opposite. I only point out the
possible problems that anyone who does these kinds of things will
face. Many cars "out there" have been modified because of past
problems. In some cases not by the present owner who is not even aware
of them. If he was to by a product and install it there is no way
anyone can predict what happens. A good example is ALTERNATORS. I am
sure John H can tell you about all of the "defective" alternators that
have been returned in perfect working order. Either they get installed
wrong or the car has other (usually wiring) problems but the owner
thinks replacing 1 part (the alternator) will fix everything. As for
keeping spares, a bunch of paper clips, some fuses, and a couple of
jumper wires with a wiring diagram will get most things going again.
It just doesn't make sense to carry a spare for everything. In this
case it is a part with a low failure rate. For anyone that does worry
about their RPM relay I say just go ahead and replace it. Appreciate
that it is just one of the many parts in the car that is over 25 years
old. NONE of the parts in these cars was intended to last this long
(well maybe the S/S body panels!).
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757


--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Farrar <fhudkins@...> wrote:
>
> David, in reading your posts I appreciate that you have the great 
> mindset of "hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst." I
propose 
> the following compromise: Carry a spare RPM relay.
> 
> Seriously. Just keep a "regular" RPM relay in the glove box and if the 
> new one fails, toss in the spare and drive on.
> 
> <soapbox>
> 
> In a sense we are all "beta testers" of new (or even old) bits and bobs 
> regarding our cars.
> 
> I for one plan on buying the new relay when I have the money, and 
> keeping the old relay (which still works, obviously) in the car -- with 
> my other spare fuses and relays -- for emergency purposes. If we don't 
> support the folks who come up with ways of upgrading our vehicles, then 
> we will be stuck with the same old problems.
> 
> The example you brought up of DMCH's headlight switch is a good one: 
> Sure, their headlight switch has problems, but they never would have
got 
> as far as manufacturing it unless people had had faith that DMC were 
> doing their best and would come up with something good. The fact
that we 
> have non-vendors contributing to the future of our cars doesn't make 
> their contributions less-thought-out or badly-planned, and when they
are 
> modifications easily undone, and easily corrected in this case, they 
> deserve thanks -- not four horsemen.
> 
> </soapbox>
> 
> Farrar Hudkins
> #2613 (auto)
> 
> David Teitelbaum wrote:
> > 
> > 
> > It's not just the transistors, it's the wiring, the design of the
> > circuit, the workmanship, etc. I bring this up because we all know how
> > how notoriously unreliable the shift computer is. An automobile's
> > electrical environment is a difficult place for sensitive electronics
> > to live. The voltage varies, people may jump-start impressing voltage
> > spikes, maybe they accidently hook things up backwards and draw a nice
> > big spark! I think your trying to improve the car is a great idea but
> > you have to consider all of the things that could go wrong. If you go
> > ahead with this other owners may not be as careful as you are with
> > your car! Also remember some people's cars have had their wiring
> > modified so on some cars there is no "Plug and Play". Maybe an owner
> > is running on a bad fuel pump that is drawing way too much current. If
> > you offer this as an "improvement" you have to consider what may
> > happen once it gets "out there". Your relay will get blamed for all of
> > the problems that the car has. Just look at all of the problems DMCH
> > is having with their new headlight switch!!!!!!! Even Zilla had some
> > problems with their stuff and it was considered excellant. You really
> > do need to do a lot of testing on a lot of different cars so your can
> > be confident in your relay.
> > David Teitelbaum
> > vin 10757
>



------------------------------------

To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx

For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com

To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnewsYahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/

<*> Your email settings:
    Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/join
    (Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
    mailto:dmcnews-digest@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
    mailto:dmcnews-fullfeatured@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/