Re: Bench testing solenoids...the right way...advice please

Posted by Wat_Tyler On 2023/2/22 6:22:58

Yeah, there is, or certainly there should be. I recently went through this gyration with a 356 gear reduction starter solenoid. Like as not, you're going to have to play with it. I'd first suggest to quit using the charger and hook your cables to the 6V battery.


The solenoid is a relay. So, with 4 posts, you likely will have hot going to 2 of the posts. The 3rd post will carry current to whatever moves when the electromagnet is activated. The 4th one is grounded to activate the electromagnet inside the solenoid. In my test, the starter began to run when the circuits were completed. I used the positive jumper cable to ground to the starter body.


I have a R11 transmission out of the car. If it would be of service to you, I can talk to you on the phone this weekend, remove the solenoid from my transmission/overdrive, and (if the damned things isn't fried) figure out how to test it with you so you can determine what's what with yours. Shoot me a PM if so. Otherwise, take a whack at this and I hope it works. Experimentation is half the fun.


I also have a 1947 Clipper 6 and an 8 to go into it at some point, so your project is right up my alley. Best wishes to you!!!