Interesting post off Maserilife about F1 relays et al

sibradbury

New Member
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201
I bought a replacement F1 relay from Eurospares for my GS as I had heard on the forums that it was good to repalce it as an 'insurance policy' for the F1 pump (i.e. it was relay which caused the damage to the pump if faulty).

When I finally found the location of the relay and replaced it (the new one was slightly smaller and had less pins). Reconnected battery and first off no priming noise when you opened the door. Turned the ignition and the starter motor wouldn't fire. Tried again - but still nothing.

Replaced the old relay and hey presto everything worked again as it should. I have sent an email to Eurospares to see whether they had sent me the wrong relay - still waiting for a response.

The above probably doesn't move the discussion on, but it highlights that the relays will differ from car to car and it is probably best to get a direct relacement relay (i.e. same part number) if you are going to change it...
 

Parisien

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But...if I am reading this properly....its effectively a software problem.....then leading to a failure of an electro-mechanical item.........then...the pump being the last domino in the line.........


P
 

sibradbury

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I think you are right. So the best advice may be to make sure you have the lastest software installed and replace with the most recent relay at the same time?

Whilst the software can undoubtly cause problems, I know relays can sometimes go haywire and presumably this could cause a F1 pump failure even if the software is operating fine.
 

MAF260

Member
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7,662
I have sent an email to Eurospares to see whether they had sent me the wrong relay - still waiting for a response.

Good luck with that. I found them to be absolute rubbish at responding to emails and little better in answering the phone. I'm not the only one to ever comment on their dreadful customer service!
 

reservoirfrog

Member
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1,368
when I bought the spyder in june I took it in to graypauls for a full check. they told me that I had a leak on the F1 pump and I agreed to have a new one fitted.
so , does this mean i have had the software up graded as part of this work ??
 

Parisien

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You would presume so Rob.......but why not ask to be sure...if they can't tell you...ask them about the above, see if it rings true and needs up-dated.

P
 

sibradbury

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201
Did a bit more digging round and found the following:

http://www.clubscuderia.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=36897&page=1

You need to be a member to see the images, but they show that over time contacts (inside the plastic casing) of the relay degrading/covered in deposits from arcing. Presumably, if the relay breaks in the open position, then this could put a strain on the F1 pump as it would always be on and if it breaks in a closed position then you wouldn't be able to change gears as the F1 pump wouldn't fire up at all. In my view, it does seems to support the argument for changing the F1 pump relay....

Re: Eurospares - they have been very quick to respond and letting me return the relay for exchange etc.