Overdrive selnoid

[Johnnydidd]

I was told that a 6 volt overdrive selnoid will work on 12 voilts without burning out? Has anybody had any expierence doing this. Thanks John

[Dodge]

Everything I've read says don't do it. It has power to it the whole time you are in overdrive.

[STEVE1103]

I used the 6 volt on my 53 Merc, which I changed to a 12 volt system, for years, worked just fine. Yes it has power at the terminal, but only goes in the selnoid when you put it in or out of overdrive! It will work.

[chuck stevens]

John, I have run a 6 volt on my 49 for a long time with no problems. I used a trailer resistor to knock down the voltage some. This is the one they used to adjust how much juice went to the electric brakes, back in the good old days.

[jimTN]

They will work and will burn out sooner or later. High dollar piece to burn out!

[Mike51Merc]

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I know guys that have run 6V solenoids for years without a problem. If it burns out (someday off in the future), you can buy a new 12V one then.

[Johnnydidd]

Thanks Guys

[Mike51Merc]

Originally Posted by STEVE1103

I used the 6 volt on my 53 Merc, which I changed to a 12 volt system, for years, worked just fine. Yes it has power at the terminal, but only goes in the selnoid when you put it in or out of overdrive! It will work.

Technically, the solenoid gets power the entire time OD is engaged (upshifted). It gets a high current blast to throw the plunger in and a low current remains to hold it in place. On downshifting out of OD, the power supply is cut off and the plunger retracts.

[trainguy]

Not wanting to hijack the thd.in the 49/50 what is the difference between the convert sol.and the sedan sol.?

[V12Bill]

On convertibles the solenoid is mounted on a90o offset to avoid hitting the X member. The sedans and other closed body cars the solenoid is mounted directly to the OD unit. There is no difference in the solenoid, only the manner in which it mounts to the OD unit.

[trainguy]

If I understand correctly the trans/OD are different on the conv.Thanks Phil

[joe 1950]

I agree with chuck get a ballist resistor from a old Chrysler product still available from napa this will drop the votage down to 8 volts and it can live a long life like that

[42merc]

An ignition ballast resistor will not handle the in- rush current necessary to engage the solenoid. Just won't work.
Run the thing on 12 volts, it will last, probably as long as you keep the car.