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Old 05-06-2026, 07:44 PM   #1
engine103
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Default Overdrive relay question

1953 Mercury 6 volt +. I'm replacing all the old cloth wiring for the overdrive and while I'm at it I'm thinking of replacing the relay. I have the smaller relay that is on the firewall but also have a larger one that I've had for many years and can't remember if the larger one is 6 or 12 Volts. Does it make a difference if it is 12 volts? Can I use it in my 6 volt system? Thanks, Jim

relay 1.jpg

relay 2.jpg
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Old 05-06-2026, 08:02 PM   #2
petehoovie
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Default Re: Overdrive relay question

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Originally Posted by engine103 View Post
1953 Mercury 6 volt +. I'm replacing all the old cloth wiring for the overdrive and while I'm at it I'm thinking of replacing the relay. I have the smaller relay that is on the firewall but also have a larger one that I've had for many years and can't remember if the larger one is 6 or 12 Volts. Does it make a difference if it is 12 volts? Can I use it in my 6 volt system? Thanks, Jim


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Old 05-07-2026, 07:05 AM   #3
pistonbroke
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Default Re: Overdrive relay question

That larger relay is identicle to all of the six volts I have used in the past. I don't know if they care about voltage though.
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Old 05-07-2026, 02:04 PM   #4
JayChicago
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Default Re: Overdrive relay question

Voltage does matter for a relay, cuz 6 volts can push only half as many amps through the relay's coil as 12 volts.

But based on what Pistonbroke said, seems like that relay you have will work for you.
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Old 05-08-2026, 07:38 PM   #5
engine103
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Default Re: Overdrive relay question

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Appreciate the replies! Thanks, Jim
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