Hi,
The starter solenoid in my 69 AMX was getting flaky (intermittent operation). It uses (from the factory, my car is all original) the typical 4 post "Ford" style solenoid utilizing Circuit 3 internals (that is; the usual wiring, solenoid closes if voltage is applied to the "S" terminal, connecting the two main high current posts with the copper disc AND the "I" terminal to provide full 12v to the positive side of the ignition coil for starting only). I ordered a new SMP SS581 (not the cheaper SS581T), part looks good, seems to be of good quality. However, the "I" terminal is dead, vendor is decent with the return and a new one is coming but I started looking around various AMC and Ford forums and reviews from retailers and it doesn't look good for quality on pretty much any of the solenoids. Does anyone have any experience with the performance solenoids that are available? Summit has a house brand, Accel even makes one, so does Tuff Stuff (I have used their electronic regulators). Ford even still stocks this part (so does Scott Drake) but I found several reviews indicating they aren't any better than the jobber ones. Tempted to do my usual action when faced with poor aftermarket parts and just try and find a decent old one at a salvage yard... but that is going to be hit and miss on 40 to 50+ year old parts. I know getting a DOA part can just be bad luck and the next ten will be fine but... still... I'd like a solid replacement.
Thoughts?
Marc
The starter solenoid in my 69 AMX was getting flaky (intermittent operation). It uses (from the factory, my car is all original) the typical 4 post "Ford" style solenoid utilizing Circuit 3 internals (that is; the usual wiring, solenoid closes if voltage is applied to the "S" terminal, connecting the two main high current posts with the copper disc AND the "I" terminal to provide full 12v to the positive side of the ignition coil for starting only). I ordered a new SMP SS581 (not the cheaper SS581T), part looks good, seems to be of good quality. However, the "I" terminal is dead, vendor is decent with the return and a new one is coming but I started looking around various AMC and Ford forums and reviews from retailers and it doesn't look good for quality on pretty much any of the solenoids. Does anyone have any experience with the performance solenoids that are available? Summit has a house brand, Accel even makes one, so does Tuff Stuff (I have used their electronic regulators). Ford even still stocks this part (so does Scott Drake) but I found several reviews indicating they aren't any better than the jobber ones. Tempted to do my usual action when faced with poor aftermarket parts and just try and find a decent old one at a salvage yard... but that is going to be hit and miss on 40 to 50+ year old parts. I know getting a DOA part can just be bad luck and the next ten will be fine but... still... I'd like a solid replacement.
Thoughts?
Marc
