The way I've tested mine is to use jumper cables and use the attachment area to establish the ground. If you have to "...help it along..." does this mean that your solenoid is 12V and you are only goosing it with 6V ??

Can you tell if a solenoid is 6 or 12V just by looking at it? Anyone have a book of solenoid #'s to tell the difference?

'49 Chevy 1/2 ton, '56 235, 848 head, Fentons, x-pipe, 1-2bbl H-W.