Another Starter Question

[ArtGill]

I have a NJT model 20 that I change out the factory air start to 12V electric start.  I want to make sure I have enough current to the solenoid on the starter.  The wires to the air solenoid are small.  I'm planning having the existing wires operate a, what I call a Ford starter solenoid, and connect the "Ford" solenoid to the input to the solenoid on the starter and 12vdc from the starter with 8ga wire.  Anyone see any problems with this approach have suggestions?

Art

[bevans6]

That'll work.  probably overkill, but my bus (24 volt) has a starter relay and 10 gauge wiring to the solenoid, so 8 gauge on a 12 volt bus may not be silly.  You could always figure out what the current draw is and such, I suppose...

A relay would work but a Ford starter solenoid is just a big-@$# relay, relatively speaking...

Brian

[ArtGill]

Thanks Brian.

I like the Big A## relay because it is designed to be installed in the engine compartment and I'll be installing it above the engine in the engine compartment.  Also I like the exposed terminals that make it easy to test and jump if needed.

Art

[luvrbus]

Nothing wrong with that setup Art Eagle did it that way 

good luck

[TedsBUSted]

What ArtGill proposes is a common configuration for starter circuits.
Maybe feed the relay with a heavier cable and have a convenient connection point for other "always hot" loads?

Just note that if it's a "real" Ford relay, the coil grounds through the mount and not through the second small stud, the way most universal "can" solenoids usually ground the coil.

I'm curious why you canned the Startair? I sorta like 'em. Probably went electric because you need big batteries aboard anyway, and now you can pitch the large reservoir? After all, why wait for the idling engine's "sweet rumble" to awaken any "sleeping giants," when simply engaging the Startair can take care of the job immediately!  

Ted