The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Anti-theft solenoid?

I saw an ad the other day for a Painless Wiring remote power kill switch that looked just like a ford starter solenoid from the 70s.

The anti-theft solenoid allowes you to use a small hidden switch to cut the power. Sort of like a relay in the positive battery cable between battery and starter, or on the ground between the battery and frame. Here's the expensive and cheaper painless versions:

[img]http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/prf-30206_w.jpg[/img]

[img]http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/prf-30204_w.jpg[/img]

A 74 ford mustang starter solenoid switch which is also called a starter relay, for example, is pretty similar to what is pictured in the ad and I think it works the same way. You turn the key and it gives 12v full amps to the starter.

[img]http://partimages.genpt.com/partimages/51052.jpg[/img]

Any idea if one could use a $10 ford starter solenoid switch and not pay $100+ for the anti-theft version? If so, do I need a diode or is that a fuse the painless is using inbetween the starter side of the solenoid and the smaller lug(s)?

It would work the same.

Sure looks the same to me. Maybe set it up with one of those do-it-yerself remote lock kits to switch it on (so nobody will see the hidden switch).

THe starter selenoid is not made for continuos load like that. There are some similar selinoids that would work but are more expensive.

Wrenchbender-

I wondered about that.

Any ideas which cars those continuous load solenoids came in?

Put a relay in the line between the ignition switch start post and the starter solenoid. The output from this relay would supply 12V to the start solenoid in start and supply a ground when not. A screw driver across the solenoid BAT post and start post would give the would-be thief, nothing but sparks.
This relay could be wired to only be energized by the ign switch, thus prolonging the life of the ign switch. The 12V source for the relay-to-solenoid could be picked up from a source closer to the battery.
A lot of the after market alarm systems have a "solenoid Interupt" feature such as this. They even add a delay feature so that if the car is broken into the ignition is disabled by the "Interupt" for 6-10 minutes. Even if they had/found the ignition key it won't start.

i put a relay in between ign switch and solenoid, routed normally closed post to horn, the switched post to solenoid. a lead to battery and another to a momentary contact switch hidden up under the dash.

if i try to start the truck without pushing button my horn sounds. pushing the button and turning the key starts the truck.

i don't have to remember to 'arm' system or anything; it's always 'on'.

When I re-wiring the 51 3100, I also added a 1-form C relay to a common switch. The directions said to use the heater fan switch but I added a two stage safety/fog lamp switch to the dash. You now have to pull the switch out to the first ''safety'' position to start the truck (2nd pos. is fog lamps) otherwise the voltage from the tampered hot-wired key switch would go to the HORN and blow my FIAMMS @ 130dB.
Send me your fax # / (SASE envelope) and I'll send you a copy of the wiring diagram.
It's easy.

Ohhh I really like that idea... Good thinkin!
Jeff

The continuous load solenoids are used in Transit buses on the HVAC system, also found in some buses for turning on main power to the braker panel. I have never seen one myself used in a light truck or car. Look slike I missed my calling, $100 + for an old bus solenoid, some wire, a switch & fuse, wow someone is making a killing on those. I got a box of those out in my parts bin....(Not an ad, they were bought with tax dollars & I can't sell them with out lossing my job, but I could get you the part number in the next day or two).

Jolly-

I'd appreciate it you could find the part number and manufacturer. Then if I can track it down at NAPA or elsewhere I'll post the source here for everyone else who is interested.

Guess What I had to replace tonight at work? Yes that's right, one of these solenoids. the ones we have are Cole-Hersee, the number stamped on the top is 24059, not sure if that is a Cole-Hersee number or not, we stock them under the bus manufacture number of 1114537, which is either a Gillig or Bus Industries (Orion) number.

We pulled the wrong one first, it was a smaller solenoid in that is had smaller post, it was stocked under the Mohawk number of 2257158.

Here is a Picture of the Solenoids , both are used on transit buses.