flasher unit

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valencia
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flasher unit

#1 Post by valencia » Mon Nov 20, 2017 7:29 pm

A quick question, my indicators all round have become very slow recently, thinking that I have a lazy flasher unit- I see that the mk2 units are 2 terminal and the mk1's have 3, my car is a mk2 but I have couple of 3 terminal flashers in stock, stating 42w. Probably a silly question but could I use the 3 terminal units ?
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Mike.

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Dave B
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Re: flasher unit

#2 Post by Dave B » Mon Nov 20, 2017 8:27 pm

I would fit a 3 pin electronic flasher unit from a more modern vehicle. You would just need to add an earth wire to terminal +31 and then its a straight swap. Much more reliable, constant flash rate whatever the battery voltage, and a louder 'tick'. It will also support a trailer lamp should you tow anything.
Your 42W units would be at maximum capacity with front & rear bulbs at 21W each, and then there is the extra (albeit small) load from the pillar repeater lamps.
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valencia
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Re: flasher unit

#3 Post by valencia » Mon Nov 20, 2017 9:27 pm

Hi Dave,
I hadn't thought of a modern replacement, but it would certainly be better for a more reliable flash rate, I'll see what I can source.
Thanks for the advice.
Mike.

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Re: flasher unit

#4 Post by Alec » Tue Nov 21, 2017 6:56 am

Hello Mike,

it's not your flasher unit, it's due to low (variable) system voltage, possibly poor earth connections to the batterry, slack fan belt etc.

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Re: flasher unit

#5 Post by Clifford Pope » Tue Nov 21, 2017 9:58 am

I've often found that flasher units vary in their flash-rate, and also in how loud they are. I've a box of old ones - whenever I'm getting dissatisfied with one I unplug it and try another.

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Re: flasher unit

#6 Post by valencia » Tue Nov 21, 2017 1:10 pm

Thanks to you all,
Cliff, that is exactly what I have done for now but I might get a modern one later on, it's now flashing at 85 per min, just battery, no engine running, although with all headlights, hrw, and heater fan together it drops significantly but still an improvement.
Mike

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Re: flasher unit

#7 Post by Alec » Tue Nov 21, 2017 3:18 pm

Hello Cliff, Valencia,

the flash rate is proportional to the voltage, but different relays may have slightly differeent rates but essentially similar, if the flash rate drops noticeably, your volts are not being kept up by the alternator\generator. (That said a dynamo with full lights on may struggle at idle.)

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Re: flasher unit

#8 Post by Dave B » Tue Nov 21, 2017 9:33 pm

Both my Triumphs have electronic flasher units salvaged from Vauxhall Cavaliers if memory serves, well over ten years ago now and have been completely reliable with a constant flash rate irrespective of engine running or not.
New ones are available on eBay and the like for under a tenner, just be sure not to order one for LED bulbs.
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Re: flasher unit

#9 Post by valencia » Tue Nov 21, 2017 11:01 pm

Just had a quick look, would this be correct ?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LUCAS-SFB153 ... SwHPlWd-Wq

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Re: flasher unit

#10 Post by Dave B » Wed Nov 22, 2017 7:20 pm

I would think that would be fine, Mike. Just remember its likely to be Ho Chi Lucas from Bejing rather than Joe Lucas from Birmingham these days though! Will do the job, I' sure.
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