TheSamba.com :: View topic - Vana-Jetta won't shut down when hotter (PIC)

Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:31 am

Hi all.

Just took my VanaJetta for a real test run. Runs much better now!

Ignition switch is fairly new, worked fine before conversion, and if "new" engine cold-warmish, works fine.

When engine hotter after short hwy. run, it won't shut off.

I put in a separate relay to supply power to Jetta ignition coil.

I suspect heat as the culprit.

If a relay gets too warm-hot, would this cause it to stay "on"?

Maybe relay box is too close to exhaust or exhaust too exposed. Pic below.

Would a heat shield on exhaust or relay box help that much?

Thanks! Neil.

Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:53 am

Since the vinyl wire protectors are not melting, it probably is not a heat thing. That type of protecting sheath really starts to deform if it gets hot. The easy check is to put a spade doubler on the power to the relay coil and hook a meter up and see if it still is getting power. Relays also can kind of weld the contacts, especially if they have some corrosion on the contact pad internally. Usually, this takes a decent load to do that. Alternatively, get another relay from under your dash and see if it replicates the problem. It looks like your using a #53 relay and they are fairly common on the van.

Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:08 pm

Neil, off topic and asking a question instead of answering yours, but what kind of exhaust pipe/collector pipe are you using? It looks like stainless.

Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:17 pm

JoshG wrote: Neil, off topic and asking a question instead of answering yours, but what kind of exhaust pipe/collector pipe are you using? It looks like stainless.

Heh heh.... I laff because it's my own fetid work!

Long story, but my first effort at welding and exhaust fabricating was not a smooth ride!

Not SS. Just cold rolled steel for primaries and a "Y" that I made. From there it's standard aluminized pipe flex joint, "Vanagon" aftermarket cat, and "Vanagon" Walker "Quiet Flow" (it is quiet) muffler.

Neil.

Still new.

Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:19 pm

Dogpilot wrote: Since the vinyl wire protectors are not melting, it probably is not a heat thing. That type of protecting sheath really starts to deform if it gets hot. The easy check is to put a spade doubler on the power to the relay coil and hook a meter up and see if it still is getting power. Relays also can kind of weld the contacts, especially if they have some corrosion on the contact pad internally. Usually, this takes a decent load to do that. Alternatively, get another relay from under your dash and see if it replicates the problem. It looks like your using a #53 relay and they are fairly common on the van.

Thanks DogPilot.

The relay is new, but who knows what abuse it's taken..... given this is my first conversion effort. (i.e. incorrect wiring was one fault for previous no starts)

Once I have the exact grounds figured out for engine portion of wiring harness, I'll be able to run it again.

Installing the gas tank would be nice too. ;)