Horn0816

So I've always wanted exhaust cutouts and summit finally put theirs on sale (you should go get some right now) so I got them. I thought it would be cool to buy the hurst t-handle shifter with the button on the side to operate the cutouts. The only problem is... the cutouts come with a toggle switch (like up is open down is closed) and the t-handle is a "momentary switch" (like you push it and their open, let off and their closed) I don't know what type of system I would need to make it where I push the botton and they're open. I can... wave at people, thumb wrestle, pick my nose, whatever! The point is I don't want to sit there holding the button to keep them open. I wan't push to open, push to close. Is there a relay I need? Some kind of circuit?

Base91

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like the solenoid on the cutout only works one way. You'd at least need a solenoid that works both ways and no return spring that closes the valve when the power is cut. Like the way a door lock works. Or you'd need another switch (toggle?)that will stay on until you flick it off. Not as neat but less work. There may be legal reasons for the way it is. ???

TheMuskr

just switch to a toggle switch. that way the switch will do the work of holding the "button" down

NINÅ

camaronewbie

Just to satisfy my curiosity ...

Could he not change the momentary switch on the shifter to a simple push on/push off switch, and then wire that to a standard SPDT relay?

Push on - 12v+ sent to 85, 86 has ground, 30 has 12v+ constant ... 87 gets 12v+ from 30, sending it to the opening side of the exhaust solenoid.

Push off - NO 12v+ sent to 85, 86 still has ground, but since no current on 85, the throw goes back to 87a, sending 12v+ to the closing side of the exhaust solenoid.

Would that work?
{I'm trying to learn more about relays myself, and right now I'm sticking to the most common which is SPDT, thus why I ask.}

NINÅ

camaronewbie

OK - my question was really about the SPDT relay more than the switch and my wiring idea - yeah I recognize that such a switch for the shifter might not be available.

92RS_Ttop

iTrader: (3)

That will work as long as the solenoid doesn't overheat. Wiring it that way will provide a constant +12V to the solenoid. Most solenoids don't like to be "on" constantly. It may not be an issue under the car if you can mount it in the air stream, but then again you also have the heat from the exhaust pipes. And if the solenoid is a one-way solenoid(power to open, no power to close) then you don't need the second part of that. The solenoid will close automatically once it no longer has +12V.

Pin 30 of the relay would also need to be wired to a +12V source that is only "hot" when the car is running. Having it wired to a constant +12V would quickly kill the battery after you shut the car off.

Nina's suggestion of a latching relay will work best probably, but you can also create a "sticky" relay that stays on even with a momentary +12V across the coil. It's more work though.

Really, we need to know exactly how the solenoid operates to determine which way is "best."

camaronewbie

O I C - never thought of the solenoid not liking being 'turned on' all the time.

Most of us guys would never ever think of that as being an issue (turned on all the time)

92RS_Ttop

iTrader: (3)

That's why I mentioned it

I only thought about it because I have been looking into using a solenoid to open the hood louvers on my Camaro when I make them functional. I will be using an aftermarket fan switch to control the solenoid and once it kicks "on" it stays on till the temp drops back down. I was looking at solenoids and noticed there was a difference between the "momentary" ones, and the "constant" ones.

Horn0816

Thank you guys for all the info. I'll have to slowly go throught it. It's a lot for someone that has NO experience with relays or solenoids and suck. Thanks again!