[Offgrid]

Some time ago I had to replace the fuel filter relay on the B230E engine. The car wouldn't start, and the fuel pump was running with the ignition off, and not running with the ignition on. This would seem to be less than optimum functionality, and I replaced the relay. After much discussion and research, I bought a new green mechanical relay, and the engine has been running well after this replacement.

Yesterday I visited Hayling Island, which was a big mistake. There was a water main being replaced on the only road that can be used to leave the island. It took me over two hours to tavel a couple of miles in the Estate ( B200E engine ).. It was one of those jams where you move forward a couple of car lengths, and then wait for a few minutes before moving another couple of car lengths. I've got a battery problem and a sensor problem, so the engine was idling at about 1,500 revs, and I didn't want to turn it off. The engine stayed at normal temperature throughout. Just before the traffic lights at the roadworks, the engine died on me, and it refused to start.

I noticed that the fuel pump was working when I turned on the ignition, and when I felt the relay, it was red hot. At that point I gave up and went home. I returned today with the relay from the B230E, and on fitting it the engine fired up after it had pushed a bit of fuel up to the engine. So now I have 2 dead relays and one working one - all are green mechanical ones. I've been online to buy a replacement, and now all the information I find states that redblocks after 1885 need to use the white electronic relay, and I've ordered one of those to see if it is better. The current green one is slightly warm after having driven home and to the suoermarket, but is working well.

So what is the truth? I'd rather use the white one. Not only because it is £11 rather than £17 for the green one, but because the green ones don't seem to be available at a reasonable price. What difference does it make if I use an electronic one? I gather the relay is dual function, but I'm not sure what the second function is.