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.

[Shivers]

I got introduced to the hot start problem in 1982. In 92, ish, I got the hot start band aid sold at aa. And it worked. But I was concerned it would fail. But this is that on steroids. Had lots of old fords, never had to replace the relay. I started modifying my car in the 80's, so this would be a permanent fix to a poor design on a car driven in a warm/hot climate. I'm to old to be push starting a car by myself. And it had a habit of not starting when I was alone...On a hill...Parallel parked between two cars, parked too close. Thanks.

[Mark Henry]

Not to beat a dead horse but I found this solenoid. It's 12 volt and comes with a slide terminal to match the wire coming from the ignition switch.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/standa...enoid&pos=6

You don't need the Ford or this rarther heavy duty solenoid, I used a such smaller one sourced from Amazon, works just fine as you're only carrying small amperage.

Guess you didn't read the first post. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)
I have literally hundreds of these running around from bugs, buses, 914, etc. so you won't be changing my mind on the value of this very simple and cheap fix.

I got introduced to the hot start problem in 1982. In 92, ish, I got the hot start band aid sold at aa. And it worked. But I was concerned it would fail. But this is that on steroids. Had lots of old fords, never had to replace the relay. I started modifying my car in the 80's, so this would be a permanent fix to a poor design on a car driven in a warm/hot climate. I'm to old to be push starting a car by myself. And it had a habit of not starting when I was alone...On a hill...Parallel parked between two cars, parked too close. Thanks.

Common story, I've replaced dozens of the Bosch relay fix with my Ford Solenoid fix.