Overdrive connections

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deano

Re: Overdrive connections

#16 Post by deano »

I finally got round to replacing the inhibitor switch. I. Dropped the oil refilled it with GL4 oil but still the overdrive still doesn't want to engage when the gearbox gets warm..
I'm sure I can feel it trying to which does point towards a possible pressure related problem.
Any ideas
Jon Tilson
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Location: Middlesex

Re: Overdrive connections

#17 Post by Jon Tilson »

You could try the O rings on the solenoid.

The one one my Sprint gets increasingly lazy....I'll do that myself soon.
Only trouble is you need a very thin spanner to get at the retaining nut.

Have you dropped the bottom plate and cleaned the filters?

Jonners
Note from Admin: sadly Jon passed away in February 2018 but his humour and wealth of knowledge will be fondly remembered by all. RIP Jonners.
Edin Dundee

Re: Overdrive connections

#18 Post by Edin Dundee »

The solenoids can be affected by heat, I had one which would not disengage when hot :shock:
Richard the old one
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Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2006 10:06 pm
Location: Bristol

Re: Overdrive connections

#19 Post by Richard the old one »

I would agree with Jonner's make certain your filters are clean in particular the pressure filter. It is not that difficult to get the plug out that retains the pressure filter which is located under the main suction filter. I have always been surprised how much fine crud the filter catches. Over the years I have taken four or five out and given them a good clean in white spirit or petrol.
deano

Re: Overdrive connections

#20 Post by deano »

I was going to have at the filters next but as it is fine when cold thought it may be something else. My friend who has stags suggested the solenoid too.
Cheers
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gmsclassics
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Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2006 9:57 am
Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Solenoid not engaging

#21 Post by gmsclassics »

Is the solenoid operating but not engaging? You can hear the click from inside the car - ignition on, engine not running, gearbox in 3rd, operate the switch on the top of the gearstick. If it is working you will hear the solenoid click as it operates.

Assuming it works just check that the casing of the solenoid isn't moving when turned on / off. It is held onto the body of the solenoid by two or three VERY small screws. One of the screws on my car came off and as everything got hot, when solenoid operates the casing moved just enough to stop it operating the overdrive. Solenoid is a b*****r to remove in situ, but another screw fitted and the problem went away and has never returned.

Castrol VMX is perfect for 70's 'boxes with overdrive.

Geoff
Dolly-Nut

Re: Overdrive connections

#22 Post by Dolly-Nut »

A spanner of the appropriate size with the width cut in half works perfectly for me to remove them.
deano

Re: Overdrive connections

#23 Post by deano »

Thanks for your thoughts. I've just not had chance to have another look at it since changing the oil. I should have had the filters off to clean or change whilst the oil was drained but I've probably got frustrated with it as nearly fully completed and just want to enjoy it as I've been plagued with niggling faults ever since I've acquired the car from the previous owner. I'm not thinking clearly.

I've adapted plumbers basin spanner which might just do the trick in removing the solenoid.
:)

Ps I've just acquired another ford which is actually a true barn find and after checking the basics fired up easily and runs like a dream! Typical
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