Turn signal flashing time

[Coastalman]

Is there a flasher available or an electrical fix to make the turn signals flash faster. My turn signals flash in a fairly slow but steady rate. I was almost hit from behind the other day and I think a faster signal would be seen better. I have a stock '72 Z.

Thanks,

Charlie

Oriental, NC

[Zed Head]

How fast are yours now? Maybe they're abnormally slow and a stock replacement would do the job. Need numbers.

[Oiluj]

The flasher on my "72 also seems a "bit" slow compared to our "modern" cars. Voltage is good and I have a new flasher module.

Further, they seem to operate the same speed as my neighbor's 72 Z with the original flasher module.

[240260280z]

The flasher in a 71 I restored is voltage dependent. There is an analogue device that heats up and breaks a connection using a bi-metal strip. When it cools it makes the contact again and does it over again.

You can change the rate by cooling, or changing the distance the contacts travel, or varying the voltage, or varying the light bulb load. You can also buy a solid state flasher that does not use the slow bi-metal.

Here is a description of the bi-metal one: HowStuffWorks "How Turn Signals Work"

More info Turn sugnal Flasher Unit

Ignition Timing After checking the ignition system

L320 LED Taillight Mod - 320 - Ratsun Forums

[Coastalman]

I will try the solid state flasher today. I'll get one and let you all know how it comes out. Right now there is at least three seconds between flashes, maybe more.

Charlie

[SteveJ]

Also look at Pete Thomas' posts in the Sold on LEDs thread here. He added electronic flashers to his Z. I believe he used Tridon EP34s.

[Dr. 240Z]

I will try the solid state flasher today. I'll get one and let you all know how it comes out. Right now there is at least three seconds between flashes, maybe more.

Charlie

Another consideration is the relative brightness of your tail lights. Having recently dismantled my tail lights (see my post, 'Tail Light refurbishment') I'm amazed how much brighter they have become.

[FastWoman]

Also the solid state flashers create less current load on your old wiring and switches. Even if you don't go with LED lights, they'll improve your situation.

[Coastalman]

Okay, I bought an electronic flasher and just went out to install it. I guess I should have pulled the old one out first, but I thought the old canister had three prongs. The flasher I bought has three prongs/male spade connectors. When I took out the existing flasher it is the two inch canister, but it only has two prongs on it. Also, it plugs into a small round black connector unit that is about one inch thick. On the back of the connector unit are two male spade connectors that have a white wire with female spade connector going to one male and a green wire going to the other male. By looking at the flasher unit I can see that one connection is to a "L" male spade on the flasher and the other goes to a "X". Can I just connect the white and green wires directly to the L and P on the three prong electronic flasher and have it work, or must I go buy an electronic flasher that has two male spade connections on it?

Thanks,

Charlie

[240260280z]

The intermediate unit is a "clicker"

Try removing the clicker first and use your original to see if it speeds up (though much quieter)

[SteveJ]

Okay, I bought an electronic flasher and just went out to install it. I guess I should have pulled the old one out first, but I thought the old canister had three prongs. The flasher I bought has three prongs/male spade connectors. When I took out the existing flasher it is the two inch canister, but it only has two prongs on it. Also, it plugs into a small round black connector unit that is about one inch thick. On the back of the connector unit are two male spade connectors that have a white wire with female spade connector going to one male and a green wire going to the other male. By looking at the flasher unit I can see that one connection is to a "L" male spade on the flasher and the other goes to a "X". Can I just connect the white and green wires directly to the L and P on the three prong electronic flasher and have it work, or must I go buy an electronic flasher that has two male spade connections on it?

Thanks,

Charlie

There is a reason I said to look at Pete's posts. http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/electrical-s30/40600-sold-leds.html

[Coastalman]

You are right, Steve. That is a good post and answers my questions plus more unasked questions. I'm off tomorrow to buy another electronic flasher and will get back on the post when both are installed.

Charlie