HEI relay and Choke Relay.

[Jimbos76cj]

Since I have "relays on my mind" As I believe IO puts it I noticed my buddies CJ had a Shiny new HEI distributor getting its power from a 18ga "12V" hot power source.. its almost comedic to see the size of the power wire to it. I started to think about what it would take to assemble a HEI Relay to power your fancy Distributor with. After doing some math I figured I could make up a Kit for about $25 ish. That would include the relay, 14ga power to relay, 14ga power to HEI, and a 16 ga switch wire to turn the relay on. Just like the head light relay this would give the most power available to your Distributor. For an addition $5 I could include the proper plug for the for the tach along with an addition 16 ga wire to route to a tach if you run one.

Fault number #2 I saw on his jeep was his "nuttered" motor, 2100 carb had a electric choke. It was spliced off the same wire that turned his HEI on. Its another part that should have a relay on it. The way he has it now if he turns his ign on to power the radio the Choke starts to heat up. After explaning to him the way it should work hes going to order the proper pressure sender and Ill wire it up correctly for him.

Ive ordered up a few GM Style HEI and Tach plugs so if this is some thing some one is interested please let me know.. Id like to make a few.

 

[csuengr]

Some Jeeps came with relays for the choke stock. Most notably the Pontiac 2.5 engine. They were switched by the alternator output since there is no wire under the hood that is hot in run only. As for the HEI, a relay is superfluous for the power, it doesn't draw enough. 18ga is a bit small, but 14ga is fine, since GM used that from the factory. My Jeep actually had HEI from the factory.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Some Jeeps came with relays for the choke stock. Most notably the Pontiac 2.5 engine. They were switched by the alternator output since there is no wire under the hood that is hot in run only. As for the HEI, a relay is superfluous for the power, it doesn't draw enough. 18ga is a bit small, but 14ga is fine, since GM used that from the factory. My Jeep actually had HEI from the factory.

Ive never heard of any jeep having HEI from the factory.. if that were the case we would be able to purchase them from parts stores or the factory right? I could be wrong. The purpose of the relay is not to supply more amps but to make sure your getting the full voltage.

 

[jdarg]

HEI really doesn't draw a lot of current. Contrary to popular belief, the 18 gauge wire is probably fine too, given its probably a run of only a few feet through the ignition switch and a higher gauged b+ lead - not a large distance at all in the grand scheme of things.

 

[Offrd]

Some Jeeps came with relays for the choke stock. Most notably the Pontiac 2.5 engine. They were switched by the alternator output since there is no wire under the hood that is hot in run only. As for the HEI, a relay is superfluous for the power, it doesn't draw enough. 18ga is a bit small, but 14ga is fine, since GM used that from the factory. My Jeep actually had HEI from the factory.

I found a relay on the passenger fender, wired into the alt with two red and one black wires. Would this be the choke relay? It is jumpered on mine.

And I also have a stock HEI on my 2.5. It is identified as factory in the Chilton and Haynes manuals.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

I found a relay on the passenger fender, wired into the alt with two red and one black wires. Would this be the choke relay? It is jumpered on mine.

And I also have a stock HEI on my 2.5. It is identified as factory in the Chilton and Haynes manuals.

That sounds like it could be choke relay. If you have a multi meter I would check to see if its hooked to it. If its a aftermarket po special then one wire should go to the brown wire on the altenator, one should go to a 12v hot source, one should go to a ground and the last should go to the choke.. If you want to post a pic that may help out a little more. Try to get the relay where the wires hook into it, and where each wire from the relay ends up.

As for the HEI in the 4 bangers... I may stand corrected. I have also never owned a 4 cyl cj.. Actually I lie.. I bought one and sold it the following day. So I really have little insight on the workings of a 4cyl cj.

 

[gojeepgo]

Did you ever make up the wiring to hook up an HEI to sell? I might be interested in one. I recently bought an HEI and have not installed it yet. Wiring is not really my forte.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

There seemed to be no interest in it so I didnt do it. I can put some thing together for you if you want. I have to order some relays today and have around 6 headlight upgrade harnesses to build so it might take a little bit of time to finish it. IF you want it done sooner I can send you a few links that show how to build one.

 

[gojeepgo]

If you can build one for me that would be great. Like I mentioned wiring is not really my forte. I can swap a new frame under my CJ but wiring it up is my problem

Im not in a huge rush. I dont get much time to work on my Jeep lately with two young kids and lots of activities. If you want to email me and work out a time frame and payment details email me @ gojeepgo@verizon.net

 

[Peanut Butter]

Jimbo, you might want to order for free the catalog and the two extra books that are sent to you from trucklite. They make the new led headlights. One of the books is a very detailed description of wire harness sizes and length. It is a really good guide for what wire size is needed for the voltage and amps to be correct. I believe it will give you a better idea of what needs a relay and what doesn't. Rod

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Thanks rod.. I'll look into it.