Ford Solenoid Hot Start installation instructions, Mark Henry's method Options

[Mark Henry]

Because this comes up so often I decided to make a tutorial on how I install the Ford solenoid.

The Ford solenoid fixes the common hot start problem of Bosch starter solenoid and it also reduces the load on the ignition switch. Although these instructions are for the 914 all aircooled VW's and Porsche often suffer from this problem and with minor changes this can be done to any car.

The issue occurs because the Bosch starter solenoid needs a full 9 volts to kick in. The combination of age, heat, corrosion, many connectors, a small ignition switch and wiring running to the dash and back can degrade the volts to less than the 9V required.
The Ford solenoid only needs about 3 volts for the 12V version and even less for the 6V which for our purpose works no problem.

My installation drills no holes in the car, not a single factory wire is cut, no in-line fuses, fully reversible and simple with no added bullshit.

Please this is not a discussion on if you prefer the wimpy (IMO) Bosch horn relay, want to cut and hack in a new wire or believe throat singing Vajrayana chants is a better method, start you're own thread.

Of course as with any electrical trouble shooting the first order of business is always clean all of your grounds and make sure the chassis to transmission ground strap is in place and in good condition.

I'll start right away with the money shot of the completed installation to show how clean this can be done.

[Mark Henry]

Standard SS-558 is the 6V single small post, works fine at 12V and takes less amps to kick than the 12V.

Standard SS-588 is the 12V two small post, works fine. Also called SW3

I prefer the "Standard" brand name.

They sell Fords in NZ, you should be able to get it local.
They were on all kinds of cars and trucks, huge number of different manufactures part numbers.
Evilbay ads below have a list of vehicles. First link is 12V, 2nd is 6V:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Starter-Solenoid-M...4xS&vxp=mtr


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Starter-Solenoid-S...3.c100033.m2042

[porschetub]

Standard SS-558 is the 6V single small post, works fine at 12V and takes less amps to kick than the 12V.

Standard SS-588 is the 12V two small post, works fine. Also called SW3

I prefer the "Standard" brand name.

They sell Fords in NZ, you should be able to get it local.
They were on all kinds of cars and trucks, huge number of different manufactures part numbers.
Evilbay ads below have a list of vehicles. First link is 12V, 2nd is 6V:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Starter-Solenoid-M...4xS&vxp=mtr


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Starter-Solenoid-S...3.c100033.m2042

Thanks Mark,most of our Fords come from Australia but having said that there is a lot of USA classic cars imported from the west coast so should be over to find one here,cheers (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

EDIT...got one on Ebay for less that $10 free shipped,NO way I could get one in my country for that,great write-up Mark .