Indicators flash too fast

[Tapitha]

At MOT last year the tester pointed out that my flashers flashed too quickly and could be noticed by an over-officious police constable. What can I do to make them flash at the correct speed before this year's MOT? The tester thought that a new flasher unit probably wouldn't make any difference. Anybody else having this problem?
Thanks,
Mike

[rayofleamington]

The 'normal' flasher unit in a Minor is a small aluminium can on the bulkhead to the left of the battery (when standing in front of car)

The electronics are very old school - it has a heating element and a bi-metallic strip (too much info?). The strip heats up and bends. The bending causes the contact to open. When the contacts open the heating element cools and the strip goes back to previous shape, and the contacts close.

if your bulbs are the right rating then you just need to change the flasher unit.

[moggiethouable]

http://www.morrisminorspares.net/shopse ... l&x=3&y=13
I think for the cost its worth a punt.

[bmcecosse]

As Ray suggests - it may be you have incorrect lamps fitted? They should be 21 watt ront and rear - giving a total load of 42 watt on the flasher. If the lamps are correct - then it MUST be a faulty flasher can... Check the lamps first.

[mike.perry]

The regulation flash is 60 -120 flashes/min.
My left and right flashers (one on each side) had a noticeably different flash rate.

[Declan_Burns]

I had a similar problem recently except they were flashing too slow. The first two repro units I installed didn't work at all and I brought them back. The third attempt, from a different supplier, worked perfectly. I wonder how long it will last though.
Regards
Declan

[bmcecosse]

I'm sure something using a 555 timer and a relay can be made up very cheaply and with much improved reliability.....

[Tapitha]

I'm sure something using a 555 timer and a relay can be made up very cheaply and with much improved reliability.....

Thanks to all who have given advice, given me some ideas. However what is a "555 timer and a relay"?
Cheers,
Mike

[bmcecosse]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/555_timer_IC And all of 27 p to buy....

[Declan_Burns]

A 555 is a cheap general purpose timer.
Here is a circuit of such an arrangement:
http://www.555-timer-circuits.com/flash ... ators.html

Regards
Declan

[katy]

Just get an electronic flasher, something like this: http://www.grote.com/product.php?product_number=44730
The electronics control the flash rate, so if you have one lamp or many, the flash rate is the same.



I know you believe you understand what you think I said but,
I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant..

[bmcecosse]

Unfortunately - many of the ones on sale over here are of very poor quality and either don't work at all - or fail very quickly.

[orb596]

Mine have stopped flashing altogether on the Traveller - any ideas?

[bmcecosse]

Assuming it's not just the fuse.....then if both sides hae failed, almost certainly the flasher can - but could just be a loose/bad connection. Take all the wires off the flasher can and join them together - do the lights come on now??

[Tapitha]

Bought a nice new shiny flasher unit. Fitted it to the car and nothing worked except the green light on the end of the indicator stalk which flashed feebly. Swapped connections and still no flashers. Put old unit back and all worked as before, flashing too fast. Posted new flasher unit back to supplier today. The postage cost nearly as much as the flasher unit!!!
Mike

[aupickup]

see for sales section lucas flashers

[bmcecosse]

Did this too fast flashing come on suddenly? Or after some modification/change took place?

[Tapitha]

Always flashed too fast.
Mike

[bmcecosse]

Well - assuming they are ALL 21 watt bulbs - it must be the flasher can!