ASD relay got wet

[landyacht318]

When I walked by my Van ('89 b250 tbi)this morning I heard the Fuel pump running with no key in the ignition It rained last night. Foolishly I put the key in turned it on and off with out trying to start it. The fuel pump turned off.

I check the ASD relay and found it upside down and had collected h20 like a cup. I remove relay, dissassemble it, dry it out, polish the contacts re install, and then I get a crank but no start situation with a code 42 ASD relay open or shorted.

I probe for battery voltage at the asd connector and get it, with no key in the ignition?! same voltages with the ignition on. I test the relay in accordance with the Haynes manual and it fails 2 of the 3 tests.

I found the relay online for 19 dollars, but neither of the local auto part stores carry it. A distant Napa says they're 90% sure they can match it up if I bring it in.

I know the relay is a problem, but I'm wondering if there is more than one.


I checked the fusible links and they all appear intact.
When the ignition is on I my fuel level indicator works.

What else should I check?

[landyacht318]

Never mind.
I inspected the relay further and saw a gap between the contacts when voltage was applied to close the contact. I bent the prong re installed it, and she fired right up.

BTW when this relay was filled with h20 and the fuel pump running, it was drawing 4.1 amps @13.4 volts according to my solar panel charge controller's battery monitor.

[bobo35]

Wow...an authmajadic fuel pump! was it making gas? Forgive my levity but that is one wierd set of circumstances. All the best SW

[landyacht318]

one wierd set of circumstances. All the best SW
Yeah just a few weeks ago I saw my asd relay and thought how I should re attach it properly to the firewall.

If anyone needs lessons on how to shoot oneself in the foot, I seem to be expanding my repetoir, and would glad to be able to share. :D

[Dodgevanman]

One must not install ASD relay upsidedown for it will become filled with water and serve it's master no longer young grasshopper.

:D

[landyacht318]

You mean one should not allow relays to dangle from their wires so that they can bounce off the steering shaft and collect water?
Maybee if I were really smart I'd hang upside down it in front of the fan so the rainwater would evaporate more quickly.

Perhaps I should redesign my Drainage so all the water running down my rusted roof gutters gets funnelled into the engine compartment, along with all the water which hits my windshield and drips under the hood. Bet that would keep things nice and cool and clean under there! :crazy:

[alloro]

Pay me a little now, or pay me a lot later on. ;)