Turn Indicators

[treoleileagh]

1974 SF2
An old issue (about two years past) resurfaced a couple of weeks ago, but with a new twist and I'm stumped this time.

The turn indicators no longer work properly. Last time, a new relay solved the problem. Not this time.

Symptoms: motor not running: indicators have full function (×4)
Motor running: after a few moments, no indicators.
Motor off, ignition back on : full function again.

I can repeat the cycle ad infinitum with the same results.

All bulbs (including warning lamp) test good.
Switch obviously works correctly.
A new relay doesn't change the problem

Any thoughts?
Thanks

 

[chrisk]

1974 SF2
An old issue (about two years past) resurfaced a couple of weeks ago, but with a new twist and I'm stumped this time.

The turn indicators no longer work properly. Last time, a new relay solved the problem. Not this time.

Symptoms: motor not running: indicators have full function (×4)
Motor running: after a few moments, no indicators.
Motor off, ignition back on : full function again.

I can repeat the cycle ad infinitum with the same results.

All bulbs (including warning lamp) test good.
Switch obviously works correctly.
A new relay doesn't change the problem

Any thoughts?
Thanks

Is a good one….

I’m not a mechanic, engineer or automotive electrician, but, if both sides don’t work while running I would be chasing a bad earth before, or, at the relay.

However, I wouldn’t think the vibes from running would give you a zip zero result. But if the earth is doughy, perhaps there’s not enough electrical smoke to activate the relay.

Someone cleverer than me here will have a better idea.

 

[martymoose]

Pre ADR, pre sept 1975, no blinkers required in Australia. Ditch the bloody things, they look ugly, they confuse the cagers, and, in Brett's case, he forgets to turn them off for hours at a time. When you try and overtake to tell him, he thinks it's a race .....

 

[Tippie]

That they all stop it could be a problem on the feed to the relay, or into the switch from the relay. What type of relay are you using?

 

[Paul Marx]

How's the battery?

 

[Rob]

What relay are you using?

 

[piranha-bro2]

Pre ADR, pre sept 1975, no blinkers required in Australia. Ditch the bloody things, they look ugly, they confuse the cagers, and, in Brett's case, he forgets to turn them off for hours at a time. When you try and overtake to tell him, he thinks it's a race .....

I know the 'leave it on' problem well, Marty - that's me! A mentioned I have to move my RH flash idiot light into a clearly visible spot. But I'm more than happy riding with indicators, even though I'm pre-ADR. Sitting in the middle of a busy intersection waiting to turn right without them? Nah.

 

[chrisk]

I don’t like having big chunky yellow blobs hanging off my bikes. Some have none, some have tiny ones, the tiny ones are there for legal reasons.

I have no problem holding out my arm to indicate, I believe it’s still a legal signal.

 

[martymoose]

Yes. Legal to stick your arm out, the offense is if you give a "slovenly" hand signal.

 

[Shajota]

Came to a T intersection the other day where a bloke riding one of those stand up electric scooters had right of way so I had to stop. Was swearing to myself that I did not know where this prick was going so would have to wait until he passed or turned left before me. Suddenly saw a very bright flashing orange light at the end of his handlebars indicating he was turning left so I could go. This indicator was very bright and much better than I've seen on most motorbicycles (and for that matter a lot of late model cars with narrow stylised blinkers.)
I was pleasantly surprised and realised he wasn't the normal riff raff riding this thing and my faith in humanity was restored.
It did make me think I wouldn't mind fitting something unobtrusive like that to my Eagle because unfortunately I am pretty slovenly with my hand signals and Marty has just reminded me there can be consequences

 

[chrisk]

I am pretty slovenly

I’ve heard that, but didn’t think you were aware

 

[Vince]

Some of the modern car blinkers might as well not be there. Aldi 4-wheel drivers were a special for that until recently. The very latest ones have a cascading effect that is brilliantly noticeable. Give that designer a Gold Medal. Pete, there are tiny LED blinkers available that are approximately 10mm in diameter and stand out like a welding torch.

 

[Gerald]

Aldi 4-wheel

 

[treoleileagh]

Pre ADR, pre sept 1975, no blinkers required in Australia. Ditch the bloody things, they look ugly, they confuse the cagers, and, in Brett's case, he forgets to turn them off for hours at a time. When you try and overtake to tell him, he thinks it's a race .....

Good news. I didn't know that.

 

[treoleileagh]

That they all stop it could be a problem on the feed to the relay, or into the switch from the relay. What type of relay are you using?

 

[treoleileagh]

How's the battery?

Battery's good. Starts instantly even after weeks being in the shed. Lights don't go up and down with revs.

 

[sfcpiet]

Some of the modern car blinkers might as well not be there. Aldi 4-wheel drivers were a special for that until recently. The very latest ones have a cascading effect that is brilliantly noticeable. Give that designer a Gold Medal. Pete, there are tiny LED blinkers available that are approximately 10mm in diameter and stand out like a welding torch.

Back in the day, there were several popular car models with hardly visible rear indicators, nestled in the centre of the rear lights and all but invisible when the brake lights were on, especially at night or in rain when they were needed most. Ford Falcon and Cortina or BMW 02 series come to mind, the early ones with the round rear lights.

These days, there are quite a few models imitating them, wtf told those designers that might be a good idea? Shit design back then, still a shit design. Even though they are now LEDs, the laser-beam intensity brake lights simply blind out the indicators.

Multiple brands offering bright, bar-end as well as conventional-mount LED indicators. Tiny little unobtrusive buttons, until they're on. I've even considered fitting some to my Matchless, but can't find a satisfactory switch. Until then, I'll just have to dangle my paws...

For the OP. The phenomenon obviously has to do with the current available once the engine is running. Check charging current to see if it is compatible with the flasher rating. Pretty rare to have a 750 muster much more than the nominal 12V, but maybe the regulator is on its' way out. Should top out at 13.5-13.8V max., 750s generally manage a little over 13V on a good day. Simple test, switch the lights on to see if the indicators start working properly.

piet

 

[Tippie]

Bypass the relay by joining the wires that go to it, blinker lights should just stay on when switched regardless of the motor. If they still go off then it isn´t the relay. Check for power as far towards the switch as possible.

 

[Shajota]

some to my Matchless, but can't find a satisfactory switch. Until then, I'll just have to dangle my paws...

piet

I was lucky with the AE. When I got it, it had a correct indicator switch wired to a flasher unit held by spring clips inside the headlight shell (pic). Can only presume it came with this set up in case someone wanted to fit blinkers. There was some other bunch of wires that weren't connected anywhere (although can't quite remember now) I just took it all out when cleaning up the wiring, but do plan to use that switch, not sure if the flasher unit will be much good with those little leds.
Sorry to OP for continuing the thread hijack

 

[treoleileagh]

Back in the day, there were several popular car models with hardly visible rear indicators, nestled in the centre of the rear lights and all but invisible when the brake lights were on, especially at night or in rain when they were needed most. Ford Falcon and Cortina or BMW 02 series come to mind, the early ones with the round rear lights.

These days, there are quite a few models imitating them, wtf told those designers that might be a good idea? Shit design back then, still a shit design. Even though they are now LEDs, the laser-beam intensity brake lights simply blind out the indicators.

Multiple brands offering bright, bar-end as well as conventional-mount LED indicators. Tiny little unobtrusive buttons, until they're on. I've even considered fitting some to my Matchless, but can't find a satisfactory switch. Until then, I'll just have to dangle my paws...

For the OP. The phenomenon obviously has to do with the current available once the engine is running. Check charging current to see if it is compatible with the flasher rating. Pretty rare to have a 750 muster much more than the nominal 12V, but maybe the regulator is on its' way out. Should top out at 13.5-13.8V max., 750s generally manage a little over 13V on a good day. Simple test, switch the lights on to see if the indicators start working properly.

piet

Thanks. That is easy to check. Cheers