Date:         Sun, 25 Jan 2004 23:00:53 -0500
Reply-To:     David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Subject:      Re: Can I buy just a solenoid?
Comments: To: Max Wellhouse <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <6.0.0.22.2.20040125210018.020a82b0@pop.ipa.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Max Wellhouse wrote:
> The old John Muir VW fix it book had a real shade tree fix with
> instructions that work on the vanagon too.  The solenoid from most of the
> Ford models(3 terminals at 9/12/ &3 o'clock) work just as well.

This will certainly work, but I would use a regular heavy-duty
automotive relay (like people use for their headlights) instead of the
Ford solenoid.  There are two reasons for this:

- The reliability of the Ford solenoid sucks.  I've had them stick on
and stick off, on actual Fords.  Sometimes both in the same day.

- The Ford solenoid draws almost as much current as the solenoid on the
starter, defeating part of the purpose.  Besides, the Ford solenoid is
designed to switch the full starter current, which is unnecessary in
this case; you only need something that can switch the current to the
solenoid on the starter.

While you're at it, a remote starter button to let you bump the engine
over from inside the engine bay is a really handy addition.

--

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 VW Diesel Westfalia
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon