So, I have been looking at these, and it looks as though some have the aluminum heat sink on the bottom and others don't- what gives? Is one more desirable than the other?

Also, the prices are all over map- on the FCP site, the Bosch one (no visible heat sink) is $188. Some of the others, KAE, HUCO, are $37.

What kind of reliable life can I expect from this component? Ten years?

Thanks!

I have only ever had one fail and it was before I understood the importance of the paste between the components. Since that time I have cleaned and reapplied paste to all of mine with no additional failures. After 25 years of service they deserve a little love.

Randy

bosch only. the hucos fail within a year and kae can't make a relay that works
out of the box. used to work for a guy who insisted on cheap for the customers and we sold huco modules. every 1 i sold came back WAY too soon. just use the paste they give you. very important. good luck, chuck.

Electronically they're all the same. These are single channel ignition amplifier or coil igniter for engines with one ignition coil. Two or more channels types are for 6 to 8 pistons powerplant as these use coil packs.

The heatsink is usually not included if you buy new as other cars may have different heatsink configurations. Good used Volvo ones are available at eBay with or without heatsink at more affordable prices. If you want to keep as spares a used one would do. They last indefinitely unless got overheated many times during its life.

Bosch is OE supplier to Volvo. Non-Bosch ones with same pins configuration may be used up to owner's discretion.

I got a used "Made in Germany" Bosch thinking it might perform better than what I already have. Nope. They're still the same. Anyway now I have a spare : )

Amarin.

Thanks, guys. Upon looking closer, it appears that they all have heat sinks, but some have smaller foot prints than others.

Do they come with the thermal paste brand new?

Do they come with the thermal paste brand new?

-> Hard to say as some may have been assembled long time ago left sitting on the shelf. Better to apply new paste when you get the part. The paste lasts about 5 to 7 years. Get the normal zinc oxide type (a white paste) at electronics store (eg. Radio Shack), computer store or eBay. Avoid those fancy hi-performance paste such as for computer CPUs as these usually costs more. The normal zinc oxide is good enough for a few $$.

Amarin.

Amarin, Thank you.

As my search for a Radio Shack in my area is futile, and their paste is not available on line, do you recommend any other thermal pastes? Otherwise I was going to get the Arctic Silver 5 as recommended in the FAQ. Thanks again.

The Arctic Silver is okay. Only that its usually being sold in too small quantity just enough for CPU. You might need to get 2 of it.

(Hint: about less than 0.5ml for each syringe....you can't see it as its covered by the syringe's label)

Amarin.