The Ford Barn

53_mercLuke · 12-25-2018, 03:24 PM

So I have been having issues with my 6 volt overdrive solenoid, I performed tests to find that the relay is working, but when the wire I had hooked up to the relay is hooked up I get no power on that side of the relay, when I remove it I get power back on that side of the relay. Do I just have the wires hooked up backwards out of the solenoid or is there another issue?

Bob C · 12-25-2018, 04:53 PM

Sounds like maybe the points are failing under load.

Bob

Greg58 · 12-25-2018, 04:58 PM

Luke maybe this diagram will help.

53_mercLuke · 12-25-2018, 05:19 PM

That looks to be how I have it wired up, just pulled the solenoid and it's working properly when giving it direct voltage from the battery. It's a new kickdown switch maybe 2 months old if that. Relay is original but if I'm getting power to the solenoid side when governor is engaged that tells me that's working properly, just doesn't have power when the solenoid wire is touching. But now that I bench tested the solenoid and it works it's not making sense, I tested the wire that was hooked to the relay on the positive side of the battery, tried the other one and nothing, so to me it should be working.

40 Deluxe · 12-25-2018, 09:28 PM

As mentioned, the points inside the relay may not carry enough current to energize the solenoid. As I remember, if the relay is original, you can straighten the tabs that hold the relay cover on to remove it and file the points. Reinstall the relay with the cover off and do your tests. With the governor wire grounded check for voltage on both sides of the points.

rotorwrench · 12-26-2018, 11:56 AM

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To ADD: The operating solenoid has two coils inside. One is the high power kick in coil and the other is just a moderate power holding coil. The transfer happens inside the solenoid via a set of contact points. Sometimes you have to pull the cover and clean the contacts inside there so that everything will work as intended.

Mike51Merc · 12-27-2018, 10:05 AM

Do a voltage check at the battery and then at the solenoid. Those 6V solenoids are sensitive to voltage drops and won't throw at less than 6 volts.

12-25-2018, 03:24 PM	#1
53_mercLuke Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Houston TX Posts: 79	Overdrive solenoid So I have been having issues with my 6 volt overdrive solenoid, I performed tests to find that the relay is working, but when the wire I had hooked up to the relay is hooked up I get no power on that side of the relay, when I remove it I get power back on that side of the relay. Do I just have the wires hooked up backwards out of the solenoid or is there another issue?

12-25-2018, 04:53 PM	#2
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,741	Re: Overdrive solenoid Sounds like maybe the points are failing under load. Bob

12-25-2018, 05:19 PM	#4
53_mercLuke Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Houston TX Posts: 79	Re: Overdrive solenoid That looks to be how I have it wired up, just pulled the solenoid and it's working properly when giving it direct voltage from the battery. It's a new kickdown switch maybe 2 months old if that. Relay is original but if I'm getting power to the solenoid side when governor is engaged that tells me that's working properly, just doesn't have power when the solenoid wire is touching. But now that I bench tested the solenoid and it works it's not making sense, I tested the wire that was hooked to the relay on the positive side of the battery, tried the other one and nothing, so to me it should be working.

12-25-2018, 09:28 PM	#5
40 Deluxe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: now Kuna, Idaho Posts: 3,778	Re: Overdrive solenoid As mentioned, the points inside the relay may not carry enough current to energize the solenoid. As I remember, if the relay is original, you can straighten the tabs that hold the relay cover on to remove it and file the points. Reinstall the relay with the cover off and do your tests. With the governor wire grounded check for voltage on both sides of the points.

12-26-2018, 11:56 AM	#6
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,420	Re: Overdrive solenoid Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) To ADD: The operating solenoid has two coils inside. One is the high power kick in coil and the other is just a moderate power holding coil. The transfer happens inside the solenoid via a set of contact points. Sometimes you have to pull the cover and clean the contacts inside there so that everything will work as intended.

12-27-2018, 10:05 AM	#7
Mike51Merc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northeast Pennsylvania Posts: 1,582	Re: Overdrive solenoid Do a voltage check at the battery and then at the solenoid. Those 6V solenoids are sensitive to voltage drops and won't throw at less than 6 volts.

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