Will a ford 6v starter selonoid work with 12v? 1950 ford is the victim. Have read all the conversion books but they do not make mention of this part. Anybody try it?
My original 6 volt 37 ford solenoid has been doing just fine on 12 volts for hundreds of starts now. The 37 solenoids operate with the starter button wire actually being used as a ground to the solenoid. But some of these operate with the starter wire being used as a positive source. Easy way to tell is just ground the smal center post on the solenoid. These solenoids are dirt cheap new at napa.
Personally, I would just replace the solenoid. Like PeteJoe mentioned, they are not expensive and easily available at local parts houses. They are usually easy to access as they are mounted on the firewall or fender well. Doing the 6v to 12v conversion should not have any adverse affect on the starter other than shortening it's life span slightly. Nothing needs to be changed on/in the starter when making the conversion.