Nice to be here, and a Mercury flathead OD tranny question

I think this site with its like-minded people are just what I've been looking for! I've always wanted a '49-'51 Mercury and finally at the tender age of 72 I acquired one. Nice, solid body but it was an interrupted project as the owner had passed. Lots of work to do, but I'm up for the challenge.
Regarding the OD tranny, there is a shifter fork on the OD that appears to have two positions. Is the forward position OD disengaged? I don't plan on hooking up OD right away, just want to get "Rebel50" on the road.
Thanks in advance,
Matt

 

Welcome to the HAMB from Illinois.

I can't remember who the O/D experts are, but there are several threads on this subject.

Maybe @squirrel can answer your question?

 

Let's ask Anthony, he will have the answer. Stay tuned. @anthony myrick

 

https://vintageautogarage.com/conte.../Overdrive History and Operation R-10-R11.pdf

 

You most definitely want to get it operable, makes a huge difference in the drivability of a flathead powered or any other engine powered vehicle for that matter.

 

Pushing the cable on the dash in allows OD to be engaged? I’m building one now. Been a while since using one.
Lever on the trans pointing towards the rear should engage it on mine that’s a 49-50 unit
Foward should disengage
If my brain isnt backwards.
If you put the 1st/reverse lever in reverse, it disengages OD
That will verify the direction needed
The OD shift fork in the OD unit moves towards the rear to disengage the OD
If the soliniod isn’t stuck, power off to the solenoid disengages the OD pawl in the OD unit.

 

Internal view of what’s going on

 

If you don't want the OD to function, keep it "locked out", cable pushed in all the way.

But when you get around to it, see if you can get it working as designed, and read the manual about how it's intended to be used. Probably not like you thought.

 

This is a 49-early 51 OD
When reverse is selected, the lever moves foward
Goes back when shifted out of reverse

 

Thanks everyone for your replies! Pics and diagrams are a huge help. I'm in uncharted waters but loving every bit of the journey. I'm sure I'll have more Merc questions to come. And since I've owned a '49 Chev since 1997, I'll be glad to share my little bit of expertise with any Bow-tie lovers out there.
Matt
(Waterloo, Iowa)

 

Welcome from East Tennessee. We really like pictures.

 

Make sure you have a working parking brake