Starter Relay Substitiutions

[Matt Vann]

I've seen several forum posts where GS starter relays were replaced with riding mower relays. I've heard that some will fit the stock bolt holes.

Can anyone tell me a part number or what mower the part was for? I haven't found anything small enough for my bike, and the big stores like HD and Lowes dont have anything in stock that looks right. I have most of the big auto parts and home improvement stores in my area.

Thanks!

[skreemer]

I'd kinda like to know as well. I have a 550 at home with relay troubles...

[Matt Vann]

I just got back from NAPA. After talking to them, I ordered one that looks awful close. Here's a link to it. I'll let you know in a couple of days how it works.

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=SME&PartNumber=7016841&Description=Starter+Solenoid

I had a really strange failure on mine. When the relay closes, no voltage passes through the poles. Once the relay opens back up, it drains a few tenths of a volt. That explains a lot of the problems I've been having.

[chef1366]

Sears has them in stock for $12.

[Matt Vann]

The part I bought from NAPA is number-7-01684-1 and I paid $9.49 for it.

For some reason, the relays I've found in Sears, HD and Lowes around here aren't even close to the Suzuki part. I saw one at HD long before I needed one that looked close, but that's it.

This one fits the bolt holes, but is "upside down" in relation to the old one. It works fine and fits inside the frame cover. I don't like having the terminals inverted, but I'll have to live with it.

[devildogGS850]

Just picked one up at Lowes while troubleshooting an electrical problem. Fit right into the old holes and is working fine. $12.