Relay clicks on

[Roz]

I've got a 72 510 that I've just gotten running with a KA24e. Everytime I hook up the battery, the relay in front of the passenger strut tower clicks on, regardless of the key position. I think it is the starter relay. The car starts and charges fine. Is this normal?

[datzenmike]

Is it about the size as your fist? If so that is the external regulator for the alternator. It should not click, in fact no relay should click just from connecting the battery. If left sitting the battery will slowly drain.

 

Do you know what alternator is in the car? Is it the one that came with the KA engine? If so it is an internally regulated and should not be run with the external regulator also connected..

[banzai510(hainz)]

photos

[Roz]

I guess I should have stated that. The alternator is the KA unit, and the voltage regulator is gone, with the wires jumpered.

The wires to the relay are yellow, blue, black, and white w/ blue

[datzenmike]

Yes, this is the electric choke heater relay and when converting to internal regulated alternator it will permanently wire the relay ON even with the key OFF.  Long story short... disconnect the relay. You don't need a choke or choke relay on an EFI KA swap.

 

[Roz]

Beautiful, thank you. The 510 gets an exhaust today. My neighbors approve.

[datzenmike]

I like easy fixes.

[Laecaon]

I wonder where they put that relay on Auto cars, as that spot is for the starter inhibitor relay and the two screws to the left in the picture are for the reverse light relay.