Doghead relay...oops

[DokWatson]

I didn't realize I didn't need the relay since I have a 12 volt truck. I was wondering why it wasn't working... since I've already come this far, can I still wire it to work? Or have I really messed up...

 

[Warthog]

If it had the stock relay and was working, changing it out with the new relay shouldn't change anything.

How was your truck converted? Using the Roscommon method? Pictures?

 

[DokWatson]

The stock relay stopped working this morning, thats why I decided to do the relay mod. I didn't know the relay wasn't necessary, now I'm not sure what to do. I didn't do the conversion. I am fairly certain it is the roscommon conversion.

 

[Warthog]

All depends on how the Previous Owner converted it.

Since the old relay is still in place, we will assume it is still used and you will need to install the doghead conversion.

You will still be using 12v to energize the relay and just switching 12v instead of 24v.

Here is the Roscommon conversion and the stock starting diagram

 

[DokWatson]

Haha, I figured it out. Dogheads mod was not at fault, it was the battery connection to the junction block. It must have loosened when I disconnected my batteries. Oops.

 

[Warthog]

What do you mean. Doghead is always at fault!!!

Glad you figured it out.

 

[DokWatson]

Good mod, I like the louder click to let me know the starter is getting power. I know people had trouble with finding the part at napa. The part number is more specifically SME7018601, and comes in a plastic bag. Took a minute for the employee to find it, he was looking for a box with the part number not a bag.

Store Locator | NAPA Online

 

[doghead]

Notice the dashes in the part number, both on the bag and on the bill.

If you need to tell them what the package looks like, you might be in trouble.


I wish people would stop posting new threads with DOGHEAD RELAY in the title, it just adds to the jumble of search results.

 

[rod]

I just bought one of these this afternoon from O'Reilly Auto Parts. Cost was $9.99 and is the sameone as pictured in the NAPA Pictures. Made by the same company.

Here is the URL from O'Riellys - Prime Line 7-01860-1 - Solenoid | O'Reilly Auto Parts

 

[ssgtcampbell77]

This conversion article is outstanding, do you know where it came from?

 

[chevymike]

I actually bought the O'riellys one but haven't installed it yet. Looks to be the same as the NAPA one.

Even if doing a 12 volt conversion, the advantage of keeping the relay is that it takes the switching load of the starter solenoid off the ignition switch, which is known to be a weak point in many older GM vehicles. With the relay, the ignition switch is only turning on the relay, which in turn handles the main load of the starter solenoid. Is it needed for a 12 volt conversion? No but it's a great thing to have in place.

 

[Warthog]

This conversion article is outstanding, do you know where it came from?

It came from the Rosscommon Equipment Center.

They do ALOT of conversions for fire departments.

Roscommon Equipment Center

 

[ssgtcampbell77]

It came from the Rosscommon Equipment Center.

They do ALOT of conversions for fire departments.

Roscommon Equipment Center

Excellent. Thank you.