When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am planning my wiring and hope to use a push button to engage the mini starter just like the original flat head was. Has anybody done this and would it be ok not using a second relay that ford has. I looked on the directions that came with the starter and I think it would be ok not using one but I would like to see if others have done it this way. Thanks
I wired mine using a solenoid from the firewall to the mini starter ..... they recommend wiring it this way because your PB ignition switch is not designed to handle the current of the mini start solenoid contact. Not a big fan of have full battery volts/amps connected down to the starter but after 3 years, no issues and works fine.
Here is the Data Sheet for my PowerMaster starter. Note the solenoid draws 36 amps to pull it closed and 12 amps holding current. These values are a little too much for the starter button to handle so a relay is warranted. Also the starter solenoid is a heavy inductive load so it will give a large voltage spike and current when released. The contactor (switch or relay) has to quench this spike. I doubt the stock Ford starter switch is built for this. All things suggest it's prudent to use a relay between the switch and mini starter.
As jcslocum said the frame mounted solenoid is not needed and should be removed. Run the battery cable directly to the starter.
Curt, so you are saying to put a relay between the button and the solenoid. Is this correct and if so what type would work. I am old school and would just run a heavy wire. Plus getting old and have a hard time remembering what I use to know.
I have a mini starter, am 12v, and used the original solenoid to both trigger the mini and supply battery power to it. Mostly because the original solenoid is a power distribution point. No problems for 10+ yrs.
I have been reading my old mind to death about this. I will put a relay in before the starter and hide it because I want the diamond plated firewall clear of anything. I guess I am just making this hard on myself. Thanks
Curt, so you are saying to put a relay between the button and the solenoid. Is this correct and if so what type would work. I am old school and would just run a heavy wire. Plus getting old and have a hard time remembering what I use to know.
The simplest way is to wire it as Ross says and use the existing solenoid rather than a modern relay. That way the battery cables stay as is. Run the wire from the starter button to the small terminal on the mini Starter. It is marked Ignition. Hope this helps. Curt
The simplest way is to wire it as Ross says and use the existing solenoid rather than a modern relay. That way the battery cables stay as is. Run the wire from the starter button to the small terminal on the mini Starter. It is marked Ignition. Hope this helps. Curt
I meant to say solenoid, sorry, I don't have a wiring harness yet but when I do I will use a solenoid in it as close as I can. Thanks and sorry for all the questions.
I see some confusion here in solenoid / relay understanding. Both operate under the same magnetic principles. When energized, both get magnetized and give mechanical movement. In a relay, this mechanical movement is used to actuate switch contacts, while in a solenoid, the mechanical movement is used for some other work like engaging a starter pinion to a flywheel. The term solenoid was erroneously carried over to mean relay. The thingy hanging on the firewall is a relay, the thing on the starter motor is a solenoid.
The simplest way is to wire it as Ross says and use the existing solenoid rather than a modern relay. That way the battery cables stay as is. Run the wire from the starter button to the small terminal on the mini Starter. It is marked Ignition. Hope this helps. Curt
Not exactly; there are two ways to do it with the existing Ford solenoid/relay on the firewall.
What I did is trigger the stock relay with the pushbutton, and add a #14 wire parallel to the big starter cable to the small terminal on the mini.
You can also just put a jumper wire from the big cable terminal on the mini to the small terminal on the mini.
NOTE: 12v/ (-) ground shown, and with a '51-'52 type Ford solenoid that gets power to close
Thanks for all the help. I too have always called it the solenoid on the fender well or firewall. I agree that items get called deferent words and stick in your mind for what they really are called. I do appreciate all the help. Thanks
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
