12 volt conversion solenoid question

Iam in the process of converting my 53 merc flathead to 12 volt. Does anyone know the part number for the 12 volt solenoid I would need.

 

Can't you just buy a 54 merc solenoid? Or do you even need to? 6/12 no difference correct?

 

any three terminal solenoid, i usually ask for like a 65 mustang, battery inpu, battery out put to starter, small terminal from hot start switch to activate solionoid other is for 12 volt shot to coil.

 

Yeah the local napa shop said any 3 post would work, but when i put it on it didnt work. Put the old 6 volt back on and it worked? Can i just leave the old 6 volt on?

 

I would go with what 292 said. I've only personally worked on 6 volt systems.

 

6 volt solenoid will work for a while but change it now to save trouble down the road. Use the NAPA # st82 echlin.

 

By all means, use the original. I have been using the original 6 volt solenoid in my 12 volt conversion for over 15 years.

 

The 12V solenoids are wired internally differently from the 6V solenoids. You ground the 6v type 3rd terminal to energize. The 12V type needs power to that 3rd terminal to energize. Just use the 6V. It's a momentary contact switch and will probably last forever.

 

Get one from NAPA for 51/53, with key switch, not one for push button start. Should have only one small terminal on it.

 

Thats exactly right the 6 volt solenoid is activated by the push button switch being grounded whereas the 12 volt solenoid is activated by power, you can still use the push button ground switch by adding a relay between the push button and the solenoid.