The spring that separates the contacts in a relay is very weak.  It
seems to me that the spring that returns an ignition switch from the
"start" to the "run" position is considerably stronger.  Then there is
also the option of turning it back manually if needed.

In a pick-n-pull yard recently, I removed a starter relay from a
Eurovan.  I looks a lot like the traditional Ford relay that Dennis
advocates.  Does anyone know if this was a factory installed
improvement or something an owner added?

Larry A.

On Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 11:11 PM, Mike S <mikes@flatsurface.com> wrote:
> On 9/10/2012 10:25 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
>>
>> I know folks will challenge this but this relay is really not the
>> best choice for this task. The starter solenoid is a highly inductive
>> load and this relay can arc over and have the contacts weld closed
>> keeping the starter operating.
>
>
> Have you ever heard of the ign. switch contacts welding together? No
> difference between those and a relay, except a relay is closer to the
> load (less inductance), made to handle greater load, and easier/cheaper
> to replace. The ign. switch doesn't have a positive mechanical break
> mechanism.