Remote Solenoid Issue?

I think I stated this in another thread, but the quality of most of those style relays is crap anymore. You really need to try hard to find a good one, I'm sure someone here will know of a decent relay to use. I went through 2 just running 12 volts to my HEI from the battery. You would think a relay could survive that, but no.

 

There are going to be cheap relays out there and better built ones. One can also get relays to fail if used more than what the rating on the relay was designed for (and providing they are real specifications and not highly overrated). I know I tried going the wrong way using the Ford solenoids for continuous use when I didn't know they were designed just for intermittent use with so much time between uses to allow it to cool and last. I had to get relays that were made and designed for what I needed them to do and they cost me about 8 times what the Ford solenoid cost.

What some don't take into account is how they need to be mounted. If not mounted right, water can have an easier time getting inside of them causing damage.

In post 40 of this thread, there is a relay with the wires coming out of the relay on the side and the wires need to exit the bottom. This left to right is not as bad as upside down but it could have issues being in that position.

Here's a factory horn relay in a 60's car that is upside down and now can act like a cup allowing it to fill with water and then put the electronics inside underwater.



This is on a 72 Chevelle and while it is somewhat under the lip of the firewall/cowl, I would try and get it rotated with the wires on the bottom.



Jim

 

It was just something I noticed and wanted to say something. I too get involved doing things sometimes to where a possible issue could be right there in front of me and I don't see it.

Jim

 

I bought my 70 camaro and it has battery in trunk and ford sol. It starts fine but it seems to me it causes some grounding issues and i added grounds. I hear about heat soak etc but i may get rid of all that and put it back up front to simpify. Whats the big advantage of all this extra wiring is it strictly due to heat by starter?

 

This is exactly why I didn't wire my trunk mounted battery using relays and solenoids . I've seen way to many times at the Dragstrip cars not starting and blocking the staging lanes because of a failed relay or solenoid

I just wired mine using a hvy duty Moroso battery disconnect that has a 300amp continuous / 2k amp surge rating and its NHRA legal and also has a Alternator kill set up

 

Like mentioned just rewire it using only a Moroso hvy duty battery disconnect