.......sounds like the A/C relay is not working so the machine tries to send power to a flasher but because the A/C relay is not working the power goes to the ball kick out instead
Nice diagnosis Beaky. 
Be worth checking that diode and maybe re-soldering the wires.
thanks steevsee
did you sort out the fuse problem?
if you havent then the fuse that keeps blowing may supply the voltage for the relay?
