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Overdrive relay testing

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C

Cutlass

Jedi Warrior
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It's finally time to begin reassembly of my 66 BJ8. What I think to be the overdrive relay, just to the right of the overdrive throttle switch (looking aft), is in pretty good shape, was working at disassembly. It cleans up well, but I'm concerned about its working condition. Is there a way to bench test this relay? ID on the relay is "Lucas 6RA 33213E 12V 3 66" The four spades on the bottom are labeled C1, C2, W1 and W2. Thanks.
 
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W1 & W2 are the relay operating coil. C1 & C2 are the normally open contact.
Apply 12 volts to W1 & W2. The relay contacts should click closed. Put an ohmmeter across the contacts C1 & C2. It should go from infinite ohms to zero ohms when the relay operates. You can take the cover off & investigate if you wish. It's just lightly crimped on.
D
 
Thanks. The relay works, but the coil shows about 73 ohms. I've read that that is at the low end of acceptable. What do you think?
 
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks. The relay works, but the coil shows about 73 ohms. I've read that that is at the low end of acceptable. What do you think?

[/ QUOTE ]
A resistance reading of the relay coil (W1 to W2) of 70 to 80 Ohms is entirely acceptable. It is not very critical & individual Ohmmeters can vary quite a bit in accuracy.
D
 
Thanks. While waiting for the BCF server problem to resolve, I Googled automobile relay testing, and found some very good articles. One suggested a higher ohm reading would be appropriate. But mine works, polished up nicely, and actually has a date of manufacture on it that corresponds to the year of my BJ8. Cool
 
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