6 volt overdrive relay with 12 volts
 

Just a quick question.

I know a 12 volt Ford with overdrive must use a 12 volt solenoid because a 6 volt solenoid can't handle the higher voltage. How about the relay? Is anyone using a 6 volt overdrive relay with a 12 volt system. Will a 6 volt relay hold up with 12 volts?

Thanks!

Bill in Conn.

Re: 6 volt overdrive relay with 12 volts
 

Both the solenoid and the relay is a coil so will heat up and burn out if used with twice as much voltage as it was designed for.
You can get away with using 6v relays in short periods like a horn relay or starter solenoid but anything used for an extensive period of time must be changed.
You could ad a resistor in series with the relay.
The solenoid is twin coils so may or may not work with a resistor...since you need larger value for the resistor to get a correct hold function...the draw coil may not get enough to work as it should.

Re: 6 volt overdrive relay with 12 volts
 

Thanks! That answers my question.

Bill in Conn.

Re: 6 volt overdrive relay with 12 volts
 

My experience with using 12 volts on the 6 volt OD relay & solenoid is such. The governor doesn't care about voltage. The relay won't live, need a 12 volt relay, I use the old style ('60s) 12 volt horn relay & have for many years.
The 6 volt solenoid will live for years on 12 volts. The inrush current is to high to use a resister on the solenoid.
My results are based on years of use & not here say.