Vana-Jetta won't shut down when hotter (PIC)

[Vanagon Nut]

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.

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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
(VW Gas I4)

1988 Westy DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[Dogpilot]

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.
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Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

[JoshG]

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.

[Vanagon Nut]

[Vanagon Nut]