Relay Question
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Relay Question
Hello,
My question to anyone who has an answer for me is about the overdrive relay for 50's-60's F-100s. I am in the process of swapping my 3 spd transmission with a 3 spd overdrive. This relay is the final piece needed to complete my electrical circuit, but I've only found a limited number of resources for the "original" relay and I dont want to pay a fortune. Does anyone know how much difference there is between different relays and if there is one that could be substituted? Ive seen quite a few at radio shack and other places for a few dollars and I'm wondering if I could make one of these work. Its a 12V system, and there is a 30 amp fuse that mounts into the old relays. Thats about all the info that I have. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
My question to anyone who has an answer for me is about the overdrive relay for 50's-60's F-100s. I am in the process of swapping my 3 spd transmission with a 3 spd overdrive. This relay is the final piece needed to complete my electrical circuit, but I've only found a limited number of resources for the "original" relay and I dont want to pay a fortune. Does anyone know how much difference there is between different relays and if there is one that could be substituted? Ive seen quite a few at radio shack and other places for a few dollars and I'm wondering if I could make one of these work. Its a 12V system, and there is a 30 amp fuse that mounts into the old relays. Thats about all the info that I have. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
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From: Houston/Hope BC
I don't know the overdrive unit but I do know relays. And yes, they are all function the same and may be interchanged as long as the new relay meets or exceeds the specs of the original. Is this some kind of a planetary unit with a solenoid to engage?
I am guessing you only need a single pole with 30A DC capacity, add your own new inline 30A fuse. A Ford starter solenoid would certainly seem to fit the bill. About the only thing you might want to add is a reverse-current suppressor. When the solenoid is down powered, the field collapses and sends a nice spark back into the electrical system (just like an ignition coil). There are lots of schemes, you might not even need one, the simplest though, is a dollar two 98 MOV from rat shack wired across the terminals of the solonoid. Hope this is of use and I haven't totally missed the boat.
EDIT: on second thought a starter relay may not be built for continous coil duty, although the contacts would certainly handle the load. Be an interesting test, leave one energized for a few days and see if it melts. lol
I am guessing you only need a single pole with 30A DC capacity, add your own new inline 30A fuse. A Ford starter solenoid would certainly seem to fit the bill. About the only thing you might want to add is a reverse-current suppressor. When the solenoid is down powered, the field collapses and sends a nice spark back into the electrical system (just like an ignition coil). There are lots of schemes, you might not even need one, the simplest though, is a dollar two 98 MOV from rat shack wired across the terminals of the solonoid. Hope this is of use and I haven't totally missed the boat.
EDIT: on second thought a starter relay may not be built for continous coil duty, although the contacts would certainly handle the load. Be an interesting test, leave one energized for a few days and see if it melts. lol
Last edited by Ecuri; Jul 12, 2006 at 06:33 PM.
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Thanks alot. You hit the nail on the head, a planetary gear system with a solenoid that engages a pawl. I'm assuming that the reverse-current suppressor is the same thing as a negative spike suppressor which I found many relays out there have. I figured I would just run an inline fuse beside the new relay. Thanks Franklin, I'll check out those fog lamp relays. It's a relief to know that I can get this done for around $5 instead of $70 for the "original" style relay. Thanks again guys!
Mike
Mike
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Wow subford, I've never seen those diagrams before (except for the 50's wiring) That kickdown switch is the same one I found. I dont think its going to work under the hood like that though since mine is a 56. I think I'll have to mount it under the pedal. Thanks alot!
Mike
Mike
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From: Houston/Hope BC
The car alarm guys use a ton of the 30A Bosch relays, I had forgot about them. They come prewired with a reverse current diode pre-installed and have a nice socket & pigtail that makes replacement a snap. GL
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Thanks for the info Ecuri, and thanks again to everyone for the help. I think I found my answer plus alot of extra useful information. Sometimes I wonder how much farther I would be set back right now without the help of everyone on the FTE forums.
Mike
Mike
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From: Virginia
Did you notice in the above diagrams how they kill the ignition to the engine to kick out the overdrive? That is to release the strain on the overdrive unit so it can get out of overdrive for passing.
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I'm thinking of trying one of these http://www.boardrelays.com/ . It looks like the BU5084 would work......
Would the connections be the same as you described on the NAPA part except for the 85, 86, 87, etc instead of the 1,2,3, and 4? Thanks,
Mike
Would the connections be the same as you described on the NAPA part except for the 85, 86, 87, etc instead of the 1,2,3, and 4? Thanks,
Mike
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I read that in one of my manuals Franklin. I didnt put that together though when I was looking at the diagram. I'm pretty much an amatuer when it comes to electrical, but I understand basic concepts and enjoy staring at a diagram and trying to figure out whats going on.
Mike
Mike
