[Shotimes] Clarification on: SHO cranking but not starting

[George Fourchy]

On Thu, 4 Mar 2004 09:29:12 -0500, Mike.Wojton@us.o-i.com wrote:

>The solenoid HAS to be in the starter.  It's what kicks the gear out
>to engage the flywheel or flexplate.  The relay, on the other hand,
>can be anywhere. 

Strictly speaking, this is correct.  A difference in local terminology is the
problem.  When is a relay a solenoid and when is it not?  A solenoid uses mechanical
energy, in the form of a lever, to move another part from the 'rest' position to the
'work' position.  A relay is a switch, using low amperage to activate high amperage.
 If you diagram them down to their simplest form, they are very similar in function,
but here, one does mechanical work and the other is just a switch.  In the case of
GM and late model Ford starters, the relay IS the solenoid.  Power sent to the small
circuit in the relay activates the solenoid which supplies power to the starter
motor and also levers out the starter drive so that it will meet the flywheel. 
Older Ford starters (which I prefer, due to not having to run hot positive cables
down under the engine next to the exhaust) use a metal core on the end of a lever
that is magnetically attracted to one of the field coils in the body of the starter
when it is activated, sending the drive out to the flywheel.  That core is what is
under the small metal cover that sticks out away from the body of the starter.

I know you all know this....I'm just trying to clear up the picture...!   ;-)

I converted my '68 GTO to a Ford type system because I didn't like the hot cable
going through a small hole drilled in the left side exhaust manifold.....that was
trouble just waiting for the right time to go off.

George