L-Jet Dual Relay GB (updated) -RELAYS ARE HERE 5/30/24, See post #29 in this thread. Options

[fiacra]

05/30/2024 - SEE UPDATE in post #29

06/25/2024 - Update. Looks like the supplier I got them from has a bunch in stock. You can order them directly. They are in Latvia, but I had no problems with my orders other than it taking a few weeks to get here. The price varies based on the current exchange rate. As of today just over $50 plus ~$10 for shipping. A much better deal than any other supplier I could find. These are also very likely the same relays that are showing up here in the USA with the part number sanded off the relay and a new sticker put on the Bosch box. I, and other members, have tested these Bosch relays on our cars and they work without issue. If you have a LJet car probably a good idea to have at least one spare.

https://cars245.com/en/item/bosch-F026T0006...fuel-injection/

This was initially posted in the FS/WTB forum as a WTB ad but I think it now more properly belongs in the Garage forum. Those of us with an LJet car with the original FI know that this NLA Bosch relay #0332514120 is a weak point in the system. If it fails, you are dead in the water, and eventually it will fail. At the moment the only sources I have found are AA and one eBay seller. The pre-tax/shipping price from AA is $325 and on Ebay it is $459.99 (unbelievably it appears they have sold a few at that price). It took a fair amount of time exploring the back alleys of the internet but I finally found a source for this Bosch relay using a cross referenced part number. It is a foreign supplier with back stock. Once that is gone they won't have any more. I ordered one just to make sure it was identical, and it is. I'll test it in my car sometime in the next few days, but I see no reason why it won't work (update: tested and working perfectly). I can order enough to pass on if people are interested. If I get a bunch rather than putting them up on eBay for $459.98 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I should be able to pass them on to fellow members for under $100 shipped in the CONUS. I can get up to 10 (update: managed to get 15), depending upon what is still left. If there is enough interest I'll buy them all, but I don't want to get them if I'm the only person interested. PM or post if you are interested.
This doesn't obligate you. Might be our last chance to get these Bosch relays new. AA does rebuild them for $200, so that is a possibility moving forward.

[fiacra]

There were a lot more people interested than I thought would be. I also have a few other people with FI VW's who want one, so a total of 14 relays so far. I was able to order 15 today, but that is probably all I can get. If there is anyone else that wants one please put your name in the hat now. You never know if someone might drop out. So far from 914World I have:

@StarBear
@bdstone914 (two relays)
@wonkipop
@technicalninja
@Geezer914
@75914-L20C
@sportlicherFahrer
@RRietman
@MartyYeoman
@Artfrombama

I recognize that some people may not follow through, but I don't see any way of avoiding that risk other than asking for payment in advance. When it comes down to it I'd rather lose my money than yours. There is no easier way to make enemies. Worst case scenario I'm out some money and I have plenty of relays so I'll have to buy more cars so that I can put them to use (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) . The other risk of course is that 914rubber starts to make them and it seems that Mark believes his price point is going to be under $50. At this point is is up to you folks to see if you want to wait for that, or whether a "bird in the hand" is better than waiting to see if and when Mark follows through.

Today I had some time to pull the working relay off my 1975 914 1.8 and put on the new Bosch relay to make sure it works (it did). I didn't expect any problems, but it also didn't hurt to make sure. Be aware that when you disconnect the wiring some of these 50 year old connectors may not like the small amount of twisting force they get exposed to. Two of mine broke instantly. I suppose it is better that they failed now than when I was on the road. These Bosch black plastic relays superseded the original VW metal ones a long time ago and you will have to modify the relay casing so that the plugs will fit back on. I'll post pictures at some point, but you can use your current relay as a guide as it is very likely you already have a plastic one. If not, you can use my pictures as a guide. It took me about three minutes with a dremel to trim the case.

The order will take a few weeks to get here. I'll let everyone know when they arrive.