Overdrive solenoid relay question

[Moorpark Jim]

I have a '50 with overdrive. The solenoid that is on the ****** is a 12volt unit, why I don't know as the car is 6volts. I intend to try the overdrive by using 12 volts to the circuit but am concerned that the relay may burn if it is a 6 volt unit. There are no markings on the relay and it functions when I apply 6 volts. (Clicks and closes points). Is there a way to determine if this is a 6 or 12 volt unit? Or will 12 volts harm it? Thanks, Jim

 

[harry goebel]

I have a 53 Ford and using a 6 volt solenoid on a 12 volt system for the past 2 years.

 

[ajohn]

I have a Model A with a Borg/Warner od grafted into the torque tube.It uses a 6 volt solenoid with a 12 volt system,no problems yet.

 

[rotorwrench]

Plenty of folks have had a fair amount of success using 6-volt units with 12-volt power but I have no idea about the other way around. You might e-mail Randy Rundle at www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com If anyone could tell you, he would most likely be the one.

Kerby

 

[Bob C]

I think he is asking about the relay not the solenoid.

 

[MMB]

If it is a 12 volt relay it will have 12V stamped on it somewhere.

 

[Cecil/WV]

When I had 3 solenoids repaired by a guy in Minn., he told me they weren't voltage sensitive.

 

[donald1950]

if it is really a 12v unit it will not operate on 6 v, it will not pull in on 6v. the 6v unit will work on 12v just fine. i have had several units i did not know voltage on and that was the best bench test on a 12v unit was to apply 6v and it will just hums somewhat but not operate and lock up.. don

 

[Frank Miller]

It is like putting 12 volts to a 6 volt starter. There may be some issues but it will work ok. 6 volts will not turn a 12 volt starter. If it does it will be slow and inefficient resulting in a short circuit.

 

[BOSSY]

Frank Miller nut loosener? Where can I get some and does it work Frank? BOSSY

 

[Frank Miller]

Hey, I saw your brother in Hershey. Small world. It says on the can "Frank Miller's nut loosener is a liquid of highly penetrating properties." I have been having a ball with this on facebook.

 

[Moorpark Jim]

Yes, I want to try the overdrive by applying 12 volts from another source as the car is 6v. I just don't want to ruin the relay if it cannot stand 12v.

 

[donald1950]

it can take the 12v just fine. i used a 6v solonoid and 6v relay on 12v for several years with no problems.. don

 

[Moorpark Jim]

Thanks for the input. I'll give it a try.