51 starter button/ign.key switch

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Jan 25, 2009 | 09:22 AM

bigblockfordman

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From: Pueblo, Co.

51 starter button/ign.key switch

Just a quick question, after surfing the posts for info I am under the impression, that we can retain and use our original 6 volt starter button,and ign. key switch, for use with a 12 volt system. The only change I believe we may want to do is replace our single post button switch, with a dual post button switch from a 53 and up model. Any help will be appreciated ! thanks.........Doug

Jan 25, 2009 | 09:47 AM

big job

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2005

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Yep the ign switch doesnt care, but you need the two post button, and a new
soloniod with a two terminal type, the other terminal goes to the coil resistor to
zap the coil with 12Vts for starting.

Jan 25, 2009 | 09:49 AM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

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From: NM

It's a matched system; if you use the single post (grounding) starter button, you need to use a solenoid that is triggered by a grounded connection. The two-wire button will work with a grounding solenoid if you simply ground one side of the switch. Both will work OK with most 12v systems, although long-term, a solenoid designed for 12v is the better choice, and AFAIK all of those are the late-model type. (and if I were going that way, I'd go to the bnoneyard and snag an OEM piece; the majority of aftermarket pieces are cheap junk)

Jan 25, 2009 | 10:34 AM

Old F1

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From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca

Ah, but………..will you wire it so that the starter button (using a relay) gets it 12 volts from the ign terminal of the ignition switch so that the starter /starter button only will be energized when the key is in the ignition switch position?

Awkward for diagnostics but a poor mans mediocre kind of theft protection.

Jan 25, 2009 | 11:10 AM

Julies Cool F1

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From: Poway, Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old F1

Awkward for diagnostics but a poor mans mediocre kind of theft protection.

You can do it either way - it's your preference. Power in is power in. Whether or not it is supplied through the ignition switch or hot all the time is a choice of source.

I personally wired mine to turn the starter without the ignition on so I could pre-oil the engine under cold conditions.

If you want to have the starter button hot, just wire it direct from your hot power source (whatever that may be - fuse block, battery post of the ignition switch or battery post on the starter solenoid) if you want it to turn only with the key on, wire it to the ingition side of the ingition switch or a fuse block that runs off the ignition side of the switch.

The drawings I sent (or are in my gallery #2) show how to wire the switch.

Julie

Ps This is of course using the 12 volt OEM direct wire solenoid that Ross mentioned above.

Jan 26, 2009 | 09:37 AM

bigblockfordman

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From: Pueblo, Co.

Thank's everyone for the feedback..........we were just curious about being able to use the original switches w/a 12 volt system, as we are gutting everything out of the cab,
b-4 we take it off the frame. Luckily the original key came with the truck and it works in all the locks, so it will be nice to only need 1 key for everything! Plans are to upgrade everything {new} to a 12 volt system..............Doug

Jan 26, 2009 | 06:28 PM

denverslim

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From: denver

A real consideration here is that if the button engages the starter without the key being on, this can be dangerous! You can accidently bump the button while working on the interior or dash or a child can easily hit the starter button. If you're in gear, you're goin for a ride. Also the old 6 volt soleniods tend to stick when converted to the 12 volts and if you are under the hood, and in gear, again, you're are going for a ride.
I speak from experience! slim