6v to 12v, can I use my old starter solenoid?

[Randy]

I'm changing from 6v to 12v and want to know if I can use my old '40-style starter solenoid? It's the metal type with the button on it and it grounds through a button on the dash. Thanks!

[Kahuna]

It will work fine. Mine has been working good for the last 22 years on my 39 coupe

[G.M.]

If your car starts on the first revolution yes but if it cranks to start the coil in the solenoid will get hot and burn out. Best to change it to a 12 volt solenoid but why change to 12 volts, 6 works just fine for me and a lot of others? G.M.

[Walt Dupont--Me.]

I'd recomed 12 selonoid, I 've had a couple of 6 volt one stick while thay were cranking and had to rush around and unhook the batt for it to stop cranking. Scarry. Walt

[Karl Wolf]

Seven years...

Still testing mine, I'll keep you informed....

Karl

[mike in las vegas]

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Two years and mine has been fine. By the way, where do you find a 12 volt solenoid that will work with the grounding principle of the starter button?

[Karl Wolf]

Originally Posted by mike in las vegas

Two years and mine has been fine. By the way, where do you find a 12 volt solenoid that will work with the grounding principle of the starter button?

You could use a relay to make it a ground acuated solonoid... I have a few 40 amp VW relays that I use for stuff like this...

Karl

[jack orchard]

Originally Posted by Karl Wolf

You could use a relay to make it a ground acuated solonoid... I have a few 40 amp VW relays that I use for stuff like this...

Karl

or you could replace the button with a isolated contact button (Neither contact is grounded) and run 12V thru it. or you sould use an isolated coil solenoid that could be activated by a ground...jack

[Junkyard Dog]

go to napa and ask for a st56 selonoid

[Flat Ernie]

Originally Posted by G.M.

If your car starts on the first revolution yes but if it cranks to start the coil in the solenoid will get hot and burn out. Best to change it to a 12 volt solenoid but why change to 12 volts, 6 works just fine for me and a lot of others? G.M.

You'd have to crank for quite a while to burn it up...

Originally Posted by mike in las vegas

Two years and mine has been fine. By the way, where do you find a 12 volt solenoid that will work with the grounding principle of the starter button?

They're for tractors or something, but they're available - not as readily available as a regular 12V starter relay.

Originally Posted by Karl Wolf

You could use a relay to make it a ground acuated solonoid... I have a few 40 amp VW relays that I use for stuff like this...

Karl

You certainly don't need 40A to hold the starting relay!! But there's no kill like overkill, I suppose.

Originally Posted by Junkyard Dog

go to napa and ask for a st56 selonoid

What's the application?

I've run all of my 12V cars on the original 6V starter relays - no re-wiring of the car required. They've lasted quite a while. I have had them stick once or twice, but a quick rap with a hammer or other heavy object, typically does the trick.

[mike in las vegas]

Great answers, Thanks gentlemen!