Which Starter Solenoid?

767Jockey · #1 (**permalink**) 03-21-2009, 08:30 PM

Will a generic starter solenoid from something like a '65 Mustang work on the Cobra? I would like to use a genuine Ford solenoid that has a somewhat correct look and finish to it, but I'm not that crazy that I need the "correct" part number. I just like it to look about right and have a nice finish and build quality. I don't want some tinny Chinese built unit from the local Auto Barn. Problem is, Ford parts counters typically don't stock parts going back to the cars of the '60's. Any idea where I can get a reasonably correct looking solenoid? Preferrably I would like to go to my local Ford dealer and pick one up so I don't have to wait for it in the mail. Does anyone have a Ford part number of a unit that looks reasonably correct that is from a new enough vehicle that the dealer may actually have one? If not a part number then at least a year and model car that had a correct looking solenoid that will work and is a basic unit? Are there really any differences between them, assuming they look the same with a pair of large battery cable terminals out the sides and a pair of smaller terminals out the front? Thanks.

Rick Parker · #2 (**permalink**) 03-21-2009, 11:30 PM

These will be in stock if you go to a NAPA store. Or if you have a business that does exclusively Mustang parts. Keep in mind that some had 2 small posts plus the lugs for the battery cables from the battery and to the starter, and others had only 1 wire to allow for variances in the wiring from the key. The one with 2 wires is the correct one for our cars. Integrate the circuit from the key to the solenoid that is used in any 60'-70's Ford product.

http://www.hammar.dyndns.org/wiring/1965/1965c.jpg

RICK LAKE · #3 (**permalink**) 03-22-2009, 04:38 AM

767JOCKEY Jeep and AMC use the same soleniod. Sorransen used to make them. Some came with a black cap cover and some came with a blue cap cover. Black looks better. Some of the heavy duty trucks used the same thing but they had larger contacts in the soleniod for longer life. Look at the F series 400 and 500 with gas motors. U-Haul had alot of them. You can pull them aprt and flip the contacts around and go another 100K. Rick L