Having some troubles after changing out for a not wrecked 3 speed with manual overdrive. The transmission functioned flawlessly...until I tried to drop it into overdrive. I push in the overdrive cable, and have a switch to toggle the governor to ground (which actuates the solenoid). The car goes into freewheel, and I hear the solenoid kick, but when I let off the gas, it does not drop into overdrive. If anyone can provide some tips/tricks for this please let me know. It is a long drive to Woodstock IL without overdrive.
Don't push the cable in. The cable's only function is to lock out overdrive. Just hit the button and pedal the gas, it should be in OD when you get back on it.
When the cable is IN, the O.D. is enabled. When the cable is OUT, the O.D. is locked out or disabled.
I would by pass the governor... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7490475&postcount=19
I know I have been there before, but it's several years ago...! Do you know if it's been appart? Have the solenoid been out? Do you have the shopmanual? I know i had the tranny in and out several times, think I had mounted something wrong!? Sorry, probably not too helpful....!? .............................. Taildragger&fenderless
I have bypassed the governor with a manual switch. The overdrive has not been apart from the trans. The solenoid was from the old transmission.
When you put it in, did you add oil? Not just the trans, but the plug on the side of the OD needs 90 wt too.
on mine it's, push in the cable, let off the gas, hit the toggle switch, feel the clunk and push on the gas again.
Yes the operation is to push the cable in, flip the switch and push back on the gas and it kicks in. I did add oil to both sections of the trans.
If i remember correct, there is a certain way to mount the solenoid. I think you have to put it inn about 90 degrees, then twist it clockwise to fit the holes!? Should be in the shop-manual. ............................. Taildragger&fenderless
I don't understand why you guys are fussing with the cable, especially with the car in motion. The cable should be used only when you want to prevent the OD from engaging. Normal operation should be with the OD enabled, which gives you freewheeling until the OD is activated by the solenoid. I'd also leave the GOV in the circuit because it has some cool functions for upshifting and downshifting.
Messing with the cable is so you can get engine braking back after the o/d is off. Also I didn't have all the pieces to make it work like the factory intended. One think I didn't like about the factory set up is that after 28 mph the system has power to the solenoid even if your not using o/d and the solenoid has points in it. Lastly the governor doesn't have any other function but to arm the system after about 28 mph, the switch on the carb is the one that grounds the system, which in turn shuts off the solenoid and "downshifts" when you let off the gas it goes back into o/d (if your above 28 mph).
I hear you, but the system is designed for the default position to be engaged. Disabling OD is for special occasions. All you're missing is a relay, which you can get pretty easily, either OEM or replacement. With OD constantly enabled (but not constantly engaged), you can do some cool things like clutchless shifts and also upshifts into 2nd over in local traffic. Yes, you lose compression braking in underdrive, but it provides for a smooth coasting ride and without jerky motions from throttle movement. My comment about the lever is because you don't want to be moving that when you're in motion. It's best to decide what mode you want and move the lever when the car is at a complete stop.
Could be as Fenderless comments, the solenoid has a knob at the end of the shaft. The knob is flat on two sides. to install, turn it 90 degrees, insert it and locate the the mounting "notch position." The turn it 90 degrees back to lock it in. You may need to extend the shaft before inserting in order to get to the internal mounting notch. don
Thanks to all for the help. I am trying to get the OD working before Iron Invasion this weekend as I am supposed to have the car there to be "contrast" for the Mystery Merc'. I understand what you are saying Mike, and I do enjoy using my overdrive a lot, but the governor does nothing after 28 mph, it just grounds the circuit, the downshifting comes from the kickdown switch in the floor underneath the gas pedal.
Thanks to all for the help. I am trying to get the OD working before Iron Invasion this weekend as I am supposed to have the car there to be "contrast" for the Mystery Merc'. I understand what you are saying Mike, and I do enjoy using my overdrive a lot, but the governor does nothing after 28 mph, it just grounds the circuit, the downshifting comes from the kickdown switch in the floor underneath the gas pedal.
Would installing it with the solenoid not actuated (in) allow it to be mounted but not function then? I think this would be the issue I am having.
The governor is the trigger for the relay, which in turn controls the solenoid. The downshift I mean is when you slow down below 23 MPH it automatically downshifts to underdrive. The kickdown switch kills power to the solenoid and kills your ignition so that the engine stalls for a split second to put slack in the driveline to allow the downshift into underdrive. If you just want to, you can just put a toggle switch to directly power the solenoid. A good power source is right at the voltage regulator where a thick wire comes straight from your battery. Remember to put a fuse in the line.
The kick down stalls the engine so the OD can shift out to go back to direct drive for passing or hill climbing. The ball on the solenoid fits into a slot on a pawl that locks out the OD when the system in not grounded by the governor or your toggle. The cable locks out the whole thing but does not shut off the power. The main advantage of the governor is that it breaks the ground below about 28 mph so you can not shift into reverse while in OD. The older units don't have a reverse kick out. ODs don't like being run backwards. It also shifts the OD in and out without you having to bother. The main advantage of a toggle is that you can shift into and out of OD in and gear at any speed and you don't have to hook up and adjust the kick down. You can run both. The solenoid has a duel winding, a heavy one to move the pawl and a lighter one to hold it in place. Under the cover is a crude fusible link which can be resoldered when needed. That is what usually goes wrong with them. NEVER throw one away. Thousands of good ones have been tossed. These old Borg ODs are really a kick to use.
Eventually got it running flawlessly, then ended up blowing first gear out of it 400 miles later. So if anyone wants to buy a 3 speed minus 1st gear, let me know. T5 here I come.
Just to finish off this post. It ended up being the solenoid filling with fluid as a small gasket had ruptured. Other than that, my setup worked great with the manual switch for governor. Thanks to all for the help. See you this spring!
The Jalopy Journal
