Another trafficator issue

Hi guys,
I experienced a weird one today. When I move the trafficator turn arm to the right or the left the indicator will flash two or three times and then nothing happens. Any suggestions on what to check first before I start taking things apart?
Thanks,
Lin

HI Lin:

Replace the blinker relay may help.?

Hi Lin,

Although I think Kioke's suggestion has a greater chance of resolving your issue, hear is another thought that I have experienced.

Have you used any spray to clean and/or polish your dash, steering wheel or its hub recently? These sprays are non-conductive and can fall into the trafficator opening and cause your contacts to have greater contact resistance. I resolved my issue by getting a can of Tuner Cleaner and spray a modest amount into the Trafficator opening while moving the lever to clean the contacts.

Just a thought,
Ray(64BJ8P1)

Lin - I have the same problem but to a lesser degree. My setup works better (but not perfectly) since I loosened and re-tightened the wire-connection screws a couple of times each around the flasher relay.

I think Ray's suggestion re the trafficator has merit. If mine stops flashing, often operating the switch again makes the flashing resume.

I would guess the blinker relay too. The new ones (at least the one I got) are solid state and seem much more reliable than old ones that work with contact points.

They're not cheap, and it's not an easy thing to replace.

Keith

A lot of the old ones are working after 60 years, so they may be more reliable than the new ones.

Hi All,

Although I have used solid state devices to address some component issues (i.e. trafficator Relay rebuilt with relays), I must contend that, for the most part, I have experienced Steve's statement of having better luck with Original Healey devices. I am still running the same Lucas fuel pump that I installed in the 1970s and should have retained my original (given to a friend and still in use today). However, I did install a TSV diode on my pump that sets a limit on transient voltage generated by its coil and gates all exceeding voltage to ground. This provides control of power passing across the points and eliminates point burn. However, since the voltage limit chosen is sufficient to burn of winter-storage developed oxidation, the points will last indefinitely without maintenance.

Again, I am not against the incorporation of modern technology but not without understanding its vulnerabilities where possible.

Ray(64BJ8P1)

Replaced the flasher relay. All is now right (and left) with the world.
Lin

My wife chides me for signaling my intent to turn on the early side. Thinks I should wait until I'm closer to the turn...the reason....well, the blinker relays only have a fixed number of clicks in them and why use them up faster. Come to think of it that sounds like something I'd say that she would laugh at.