> Good points, all.  I think that the recommendation for the generic Ford
> solenoid is due to the higher throughput amperage than that sustainable by
> the Bosch relays.  In cold weather I would think that the starter could
> pull => 50 amps.  Will the Bosch relay carry that kind of short term load? 
> Anyone know the max starting amperage of a Vanagon starter? 
> 
Mine was not even a Bosch relay, it was an auxiliary light relay made by
NightBlaster or some such for their fog lights.  Rated to 30 amps.  It's
done well for me, but I must confess I installed it in summer and sold
the bus a week or so ago, so I don't know how it would do in the dead of
winter but it did great down to 20 F or so.  Hoover once told me when I
asked him about this that the draw was around 30 amps.  I think the
Bosch relay is only fused for 15 amps and I haven't heard of anybody
having problems.

> >From an empirical standpoint, I've had the Ford relay in place for several 
> years and the system hasn't hiccuped once.  I would think that if the Ford 
> pulled the same activation current as the starter solenoid that I would 
> have continued to have problems even after the modification.  Not trying 
> to be contrary, just my observations.

>From what I gather, it's not exactly the same; it's less but it's not a
whole darn lot less.  The relay is a whole darn lot less :) .  Perhaps
Bob can give us more specific values to work with because I have no idea
:) .  The Ford solenoid hasn't given me any trouble but I've only had
the thing for a few weeks, we'll see how it holds up.  I jsut don't like
the idea of anything for a Ford on my VW -- Ford does not impress me :)
..

> 
> I think we'll have to see whose solution is best over time.  For now, as
> long as the system's functional I'd leave it in place.  My philosophy is
> if it ain't broke, don't fix it...;)  YMMV, though, of course. 

Yeah, I'd say you're right.  It's too cold to mess with it now anyway :)

Take care and thanks for the response,
Sean

> 
> Jack
>