Mechanical Turn signals

["Dick Benjamin" <dickb@xxxxxxxxx>]

This is not a switch problem, it is a poor voltage regulation problem.  Your
charging system is not maintaining system voltage at the rated level, so
when your engine slows, the turn signal flasher is starved for enough
current to keep the heater up to the correct temperature.   Put a voltmeter
on your B feed to the flasher, you'll see what I mean.  Rev the engine, the
voltage goes up, the flasher clicks faster.   Idle the engine, the voltage
drops, the flasher slows down and stops.

Replacing the flasher might help - it is possible that yours is getting
tired.

For those who are not aware, the flasher works by heating an internal
bi-metallic strip, bending it away from a contact thus interrupting the
current.  Then the strip cools and makes contact again, repeating the
process.

Dick Benjamin
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Lynch" <creesto@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2004 5:58 AM
Subject: Re: IML: Mechanical Turn signals


> I have another classic car that has mechanical turn signal switches. When
I
> slow down to turn the corner, the rate of click get slower and slower to
the
> point of ceasing altogether. I was told that this switch was mechanical
> (vintage 1962) and that it was just tired. I suspect older Imperials have
> similar types. Has anyone ever rebuilt something like this, Imperial or
not?
> Can I open it up and refurb it, or must it just be replace, OR is that
just
> the way it is? Thanks gurus. Chris
>
>
>