‘65 Starter Relay Pin-Out, Location, & SB

[robschillinger]

After 18 years, I’m finally going to add the starter relay update to my ‘65 FL. I ordered the “genuine replica” Delco Remy starter relay but it does not identify the pin lay-out. I have the H-D manual and they show a picture of the relay with pin 1 to the left, pin 2 to bottom left, and pin 3 to bottom right (looking at top of relay). My questions are:
1) is my replica the same layout;
2) does pin 1 go to 12V B terminal on regulator, pin 2 to starter solenoid, and pin 3 to starter button;
3) does relay mount under battery tray?
4) does anyone have Service Bulletin #551, dated 02/67

Thanks for any and all help,
Rob

[RichO]

Is that a Tedd's? Good luck with that! I'd fake hooking it up and use a Bosch plastic unit stashed somewhere (they work when you need them). Just sayin'.

[Rubone]

I can scan you the Shop Dope but not right now, it is snowing out!

[gitguy]

I installed one of these starter relays on my '65 and '66 FLH using the 1967 wiring diagram as a guide. Works perfect! However, mine are both NOS Delco relays.

check it out, good luck.

[RichO]

NOS is good but the repops are just like the repop early square coils. I believe it was '67 or '68 they came out for the chrome relay cover under the battery tray. You could hide a plastic one easy. Mine's in my shroud behind the headlight.

[Robert Luland]

Just do a continuity test from ground (Bracket) to each terminal. The one that pings the needle is your coil. The other two are your normally open contact.

[gitguy]

wiring diagram.JPG

I stand corrected. It's the 1968-1969 wiring diagram.

[BigLakeBob]

Service Bulliten 551mp.jpg
Here is the service bulletin.

[robschillinger]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I’ve been on the road and just returned today. Your responses were just what I was looking for, experienced information.

Measured all terminals to ground and it is #3 terminal in my picture that is the coil (50 ohms, the other terminals are open to ground). Then connected the positive battery post to terminal #1 and the negative battery post to the relay mounting bracket, touched the 12 volts to terminal 3 (simulating bike’s starter button). I heard the relay click and was able to measure 12 volts at terminal 2 (the bike’s starter solenoid terminal). I did this a number of times and heard the relay click as well as measuring the 12 volts.

It’s true, this replica relay is a V-Twin bought from J&P Cycle. Probably should have spent my hard earned money on a known good Bosch relay but now, I don’t think this is returnable after opening. Although the relay is working fine right now, does anyone have any long-term experience using this replica relay? It sounds like the NOS relay works fine but I don’t know where to readily pick one of these up.

Thanks for the drawings and service bulletin and all the other advise.

Rob

[duffeycycles]

OEM HD Bosch style are cheap & 40 amp capable.I had a Shovel come in that died when hitting a big bump.But only rarely.Figured out the battery box was bouncing & shorting out the relay[original] connection,but only on big bump WITH THE CLUTCH LEVER PULLED IN!!!!It had all new rubber mounts on the battery & oil tank.Probably why the previous owner sold it!Go with the Bosch LOL

[RichO]

Bosch style are available at any good auto parts store for under $10.00. You can get them with the socket too. Either way.

[duffeycycles]

Those are usually 30amp not 40.Yes they do work