6volt starter relay?

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Victor Ingram
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6volt starter relay?

#1 Post by Victor Ingram »

Old 6 volt system needs some help with starting, is there a 6 volt starting relay available?
thanks
Victor

M Penta
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#2 Post by M Penta »

I'm not sure what the 6V starter solenoid draws, but in good working order should be all you need?

I am interested in the 6V relay idea though, maybe it is worthwhile even with a good starter/solenoid. Hopefully an expert will chime in.

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Doug McDonnell
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#3 Post by Doug McDonnell »

Google "Porsche 356 Starter troubleshooting Cyberwerkstatt " and you will find an excellent troubleshooting flow diagram to follow. The relay will help your ignition switch last longer but won't fix most slow starting problems. Poor grounds,worn starter bushing,worn ignition switch or in my case a faulty starter that was only 500 miles old and never did work well, Even rarely the wire between the starter motor and the solenoid can cause starter issues. You will be better off finding the cause of your starting problem and fixing it. And start with a good tuneup including valve adjustment.
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

William Block
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#4 Post by William Block »

Joe Leoni's 6 volt (and 12 volt) starter relays should be what you need. BLOCKS-BOOKS.com stocks the 6 volt and has the 12 volt available by order.
bill
Bill Block
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William Block
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#5 Post by William Block »

I should read the entire discussion prior to commenting. In my experience, the common fault is the starter switch, which uses a thin brass 3 prong sweeper with 3 pressed tits. These wear from arcing until the the tits are worn away. The starter relay can take the otherwise inadequate current from the switch as a signal and provide adequate current to the starter solenoid. Clearly aged starters and their solenoids play a part with increased current demand. Using the relay will generally allow use of an otherwise failed switch and will prevent further damage to the switch.
bill
Bill Block
BLOCKS-BOOKS.COM
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1500N coupe #11994
S tractor #133/7622
1600N S/R #106072
356C cab #161564
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Doug McDonnell
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#6 Post by Doug McDonnell »

I still think it is better to get your starting issue fixed by identifying and correcting what is causing it. Once you have done that it is prudent to install a Leoni relay sold by Bill to prevent wear on the starter switch. In my case I had a Leoni relay but still needed to track down and fix the underlying problem in order to have good starter function after I restored my car. I try to follow my dad's advice given to me when I was young. He was a mechanic and would say "There's never enough time to fix it right,but always enough time to fix it again and again and again."
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

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Mervyn Hyde
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#7 Post by Mervyn Hyde »

My 356T6 has a stock 6V system and the starter turns over well. However, I would like to relieve some of the load on the ignition switch and was thinking of fitting a starter relay. I could stump up for one of the kits, but the freight to Australia normally exceeds the item cost. I was going to make one myself. Now what kind of relay should I be looking for? 6V (40-60A) seemingly, but what specifications or brand is recommended?

Thanks

Merv
Merv
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1968 911 SWB

Peter Shayle-George
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#8 Post by Peter Shayle-George »

Often overlooked is to check the compression.
Regards

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Dave Wildrick
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#9 Post by Dave Wildrick »

Merv,
What you are looking for is the Bosch 0332204001—6V relay.
This is also used for dimming headlights on VWs.
I used this part on my 65C (6V) for protecting the ignition switch as you describe.

I found this site in Australia for the part:
http://au.bosch-automotive-shop.com/en/ ... 0332204001

Others have used this part with the same specs (and cheaper--$7.11) from a USA manufacturer:
http://www.newark.com/durakool/dg85b-80 ... 96-1006-M1
Dave Wildrick
Houston, TX
#10230
64C coupe
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Mervyn Hyde
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#10 Post by Mervyn Hyde »

Many thanks Dave. Much appreciated. I have ordered a couple of these locally http://www.bmhstore.bmh.com.au/index.ph ... v9gkft59k3

But I will chase down the Bosch ones you listed as at some stage I will also add relays to the Lo and Hi beam bulbs in the headlamp buckets.
Merv
TYP356
1963 356B T6
1968 911 SWB

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Mervyn Hyde
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#11 Post by Mervyn Hyde »

I made up a relay in a about 15 mins and fitted it on. Now I can rest easier knowing that there is less load on the ignition switch. Starter seems to spin better as well. Long live 6Vs!
Merv
TYP356
1963 356B T6
1968 911 SWB

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Victor Ingram
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#12 Post by Victor Ingram »

We bought a 6 volt starter relay from Blocks Books (thank you Bill) and it is amazing, one push of the starter button and Rrmmmm! There were other issues, but I have a comfort level now knowing I am not going to burn out the starter.
Thanks to everyone for their help.

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Jens Hansen
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#13 Post by Jens Hansen »

Bought a relay as well but how do I connect it?
Any drawings?
Thanks,
Jens
Jens Hansen

1962 T6 Coupe S90
1960 T5 Coupe Normal
1960 Morris Minor Conv.

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Mike Wilson
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#14 Post by Mike Wilson »

Jens: Google "356 Porsche starter relay". There is a lot of info on it.
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

M Penta
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Re: 6volt starter relay?

#15 Post by M Penta »

I just did this on my car yesterday, I installed my relay under dash near ignition switch. I installed the relay simply to pass less current through the switch, not too concerned about the 14AWG running to solenoid. I prefer this location since it is easy to access (especially in the event of a problem such as welded contacts!), and to keep the relay out of the elements.

I had to make two bullet connectors from a heavy duty trailer hitch plug that I sacrificed. You will need to make at least one wire with a bullet connector that fits securely into switch.

How to relay the starter solenoid at ign switch:

On Ign switch:

30: common power - plug a 14AWG wire with bullet connector into switch and connect to terminal 30 (common) on relay.

50: This wire originally goes from switch to starter solenoid, it will now be removed from switch and connect to terminal 87 (N.O.) on relay (this wire will now go from relay to Solenoid, instead of switch to solenoid).

Run a new wire from terminal 50 on switch to terminal 85 on relay (key switch power to energize relay)

Run a ground wire from terminal 86 on relay to ground (I used a ring terminal and attached to thumb screw for gauge).

I can make a schematic but it will have to wait.

Mark

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