Dead Relay

[SilvrT]

Not long after I got my XCT, I installed a switched power block inside the fairing to run power to things like my GPS, Sirius XM, Aux running lights, and so on. I used a good quality relay for the project.

 

A couple weeks ago I fired up the bike for the first time since last fall only to discover that none of these items worked any more. I dug into it this past weekend to discover that the relay was corroded and had failed.

 

No worries, I just put a new one in.

 

So why did it get corroded I asked myself?

 

I had mounted it inside the fairing up against the metal fairing bracket with the wiring tabs facing UP! Of course ... any water that got inside there settled on it and slowly caused the connections to corrode and probably short out.

 

Solution.... mount it with the connections facing DOWN.

 

Possibly just a little "TIP" for others.

 

---

2013 RED XCT

 

Live to Love - Love to Ride

Life's a Venture on my Victory

 

Driving a car is like watching a movie, riding a motorcycle is like starring in one!

 

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

Lloydz Air Filter

Lloydz Timing Wheel

Power Commander V

Autotune

CATs removed

Stage 1 flash

HD Trunk Rack

FIAAM Air Horn

PIAA 1100x Lamps

D&D Performance Mufflers

HID High & Low

Victory Mini-Apes

Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 ZP 195/55-16

102HP, 107Tq

[Guest Jamsie]

could be condensation that caused the corrosion , use dialectric grease on the terminals to prevent any further water damage

[etcswjoe]

could be condensation that caused the corrosion , use dialectric grease on the terminals to prevent any further water damage

 

[SilvrT]

could be condensation that caused the corrosion , use dialectric grease on the terminals to prevent any further water damage

 

Thanks for mentioning ... I did that but since the relay was "upside down" I suspect some moisture weeped inside somehow. While the terminals showed corrosion, there was still power across one terminal, just not the second one where it should have been.

[djh3]

Silver, dont take it to hard. Hind site is always 20/20. You figured it out and now your spreading the word. Out of all the by-pass relays I have built I bench check every one before shipping. I have had one DOA from a supplier and 2 I think have failed in the field for one reason or another. Loose connection causing overheat on a terminal and melting. And I think one with a wire that pulled out or something. So out of like 50 I dont think its a terrible track record.

[SilvrT]

Silver, dont take it to hard. Hind site is always 20/20. You figured it out and now your spreading the word. Out of all the by-pass relays I have built I bench check every one before shipping. I have had one DOA from a supplier and 2 I think have failed in the field for one reason or another. Loose connection causing overheat on a terminal and melting. And I think one with a wire that pulled out or something. So out of like 50 I dont think its a terrible track record.

 

A few years back, when I had my Wing, I was hooking up some aux lighting and needed a relay so I bought two... guess what? They were both duds. Never again will I buy cheap ones LOL

[uncledj]

A few years back, when I had my Wing, I was hooking up some aux lighting and needed a relay so I bought two... guess what? They were both duds. Never again will I buy cheap ones LOL

A few years back I was rewiring a large Carrier air handler and had 3 bad relays,....new off the shelf. I ended up taking one apart for inspection, and there was a white, chalky substance (oxidation?) on the contacts. I showed this to the supplier when I returned them......The only comment he could make was "Made in Mexico......what'd ya expect". Major brand relay...Mars.

In my trade I've learned to question everything, including brand new parts.