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.

[11tenths]

I bet the Cap'n would approve, but Slits would still bitch about something...

I miss them a lot, but your posts go a long way towards filling the gap they left.

Nice job (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Cheers- Harry

[76-914]

I bet the Cap'n would approve, but Slits would still bitch about something...

I miss them a lot, but your posts go a long way towards filling the gap they left.

Nice job (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Cheers- Harry

Actually you've got that bass ackwards, Slits was a proponent and offered the Ford relays to us for $6; or less if he liked you. IIRC, Cap't Crusty was in the camp of those who oppose it. One thing is for sure; the opposing Camp's numbers have dwindled in the past couple of years. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Rand]

I bet the Cap'n would approve, but Slits would still bitch about something...

I miss them a lot, but your posts go a long way towards filling the gap they left.

Nice job (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Cheers- Harry

Actually you've got that bass ackwards, Slits was a proponent and offered the Ford relays to us for $6; or less if he liked you. IIRC, Cap't Crusty was in the camp of those who oppose it. One thing is for sure; the opposing Camp's numbers have dwindled in the past couple of years. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I confess to having been in the last camp, and now a dwindler. I used to think it was dumb because, after all, the switch is NOT a high current circuit and the real relay is the starter solenoid! The real current happens at the starter solenoid where the big juice comes straight from a big cable to the battery. Some people seem to have the misunderstanding that all the current that cranks the engine runs through the starter switch. Which is pure ignorance.

After all that, I have to say while I don't think it's a necessary upgrade I have learned to respect it. A little less current going through the ignition switch is a good thing.

Mark's thread is a great contribution here.