Repairs difference in solenoids?

[OldHenry]

Hopefully, this isn't too dumb a question, but what is the difference between a 3 connector (two posts, one tab) and a 4 connector (two posts, 2 tabs)? Is there a way to use a 3 connector in leiu of a 4? Thanks

 

[reynoldston]

Hopefully, this isn't too dumb a question, but what is the difference between a 3 connector (two posts, one tab) and a 4 connector (two posts, 2 tabs)? Is there a way to use a 3 connector in leiu of a 4? Thanks

The 3 terminal solenoid has a internal negative circuit and the 4 terminal solenoid has a external negative circuit. Some manufacturers will trip the solenoid with the negative circuit instead of positive. If you are using a 4 terminal in place of a 3 terminal solenoid just run a wire from one of the small terminals to the chassis.

 

[OldHenry]

Thanks, is there anyway to use a 3 terminal in place of a 4 terminal?

 

[reynoldston]

Thanks, is there anyway to use a 3 terminal in place of a 4 terminal?

Not unless you had a way to isolate it to the chassis. It could be done but I wouldn't recommend it not knowing how the negative circuit operates?

 

[ILENGINE]

You can replace a 4 terminal with a 3 terminal but you will loose all the safety lockouts. I have seen four wire solenoids wire with the solenoid wired hot and the starting circuit is operated by grounding the safety switches and key switch acts like a ground..