Keep in mind those starters where a different design than ours. They used
the remote solenoid to energize the motor. The rotation of the motor threw
out the gear to engage the flywheel. Our use the solenoid to move the gear
and connect the motor. When you get that click with no action it is a sign
the gear did not go all the way out, (mechanical or electrical) or the
contacts of the solenoid are bad.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Paul Guzyk
Sent: Sunday, December 12, 2010 2:45 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Ignition Switch, Battery and Starter Protection

Fords had big fender mountain relays aka "solenoids" for their starters on
almost every car/truck until the mid-90's.   This allowed short power cables
from battery to starter and small wires to ignition/starter switches.

You can get them cheap from any FLAPS.

Great for intermittent high current loads (like running a starter).   Not
really designed for continuous use.

The principles of the Ford solenoid are pretty much the same of every relay
out there...a small trigger circuit causes an electromagnet to "switch" a
higher current load.

Good info here on this video;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGGTaOQkkAk

On Sun, Dec 12, 2010 at 10:30 AM, John Rodgers <inua@charter.net> wrote:

>  The discussion on mega-fues brought this to mine, and I felt it
> appropriate to have a different heading.
>
> I haven't really explored the circuitry so simply don't know much
> about it and am wondering.
>
> Small airplanes - and prol'ly large ones - are wired so that operation
> of the ignition switch  actuates a relay installed between the the
> battery and the starter. Turn the ignition switch to the start
> position, the relay closes, connecting the starter and the battery. As
> soon as the engine starts, the switch is released, the relay opens,
> and the battery is disconnected from the starter.
>
> I take it there is no such circuit in the Vanagon but something
> different. Such heavy relays are always located by the battery box to
> relieve the need for heavy wire strung over long distances. Would
> there be any advantage to have this aircraft type arrangement in the
Vanagons?
>
> John
>
> --
> John Rodgers
> Clayartist and Moldmaker
> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
> Chelsea, AL
> Http://www.moldhaus.com
>