Very good points. Much appreciated.

This morning, I realized that yes; Su as an ign. switch was a bad idea.

I think someone posted this idea a while ago, but I too wondered if a
surge protected relay would suffice. Or as you suggest, use a resistor
somehow. Seems the surge protected relay would be best. If not.....

If a resistor was wired in parallel across 85-86 of the relay, would
this added resistance only affect that circuit once the coil is
de-energized? i.e. does that added resistance affect the coils ability
to keep the switch closed when in use?

My electrical knowledge is made up of bits and pieces, so apologies if
I'm asking questions in a poor way.

Thanks

Neil.

On Fri, Jan 25, 2013 at 10:43 AM, Ryan Press <ryan@presslab.us> wrote:

> Back on topic, I would think a strategically placed diode somewhere would
> keep the relay from staying on with the ignition off.  If that is not
> possible perhaps the brute force method of putting an additional load
> resistor across the relay's winding would do it.
>
> Powering the engine with just the key in is dangerous.  Consider this
> scenario which has happened to me before:  Going down a large hill my
> throttle cable was frozen with ice at part throttle.  I was able to leave it
> in gear and turn the key off, while maintaining all normal functions, until
> I was able to find a pull-out.  If I would have needed to remove the key, my
> steering would lock, and I would end up over the hill.  The other option
> would be to pop it in neutral, but then the engine would be bouncing off the
> rev-limiter.

--
Neil n

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