I have just located an overdrive trans for my merc. What I am wondering is, how do they work? My mercury didn't come with od. Will it work with 12v or can I make it fully manual?
You would be best served if you can find a 12 v solenoid. Beyond that, if you duplicate the original circuitry, it contains a relay as I recall, which will need to be 12 v also. However, you can skip the OEM kick down linkage (not recommending that) and use a manual switch to operate the solenoid as needed. You will also need the manual cable/housing/handle ***embly to lock out the OD when parked. I suggest you find some written info on the OD before you install it so you fully understand it’s operation. Ray
Knock on wood I've been running my 6 volt solenoid in my hot rod for about more than 10 years for a couple hours at a time and it seemed fine so far but I do have a couple 12-volt solenoid I think
I don’t know how you are operating your OD, but I believe it should not ever have the solenoid operating “a couple hours at a time”. If the entire OEM OD system is intact and operational, the control system ‘shorts out’ the ignition very briefly so the engine power is interrupted just long enough to unload the OD gearing to make it easy for the solenoid to disengage the OD. If you are using a manual switch to operate the solenoid, a momentary switch would suffice. If you are using a toggle switch and leaving it ‘on’, to lock out the OD, that is incorrect. In that scenario, I believe a more desirable way would be the momentary switch to activate the solenoid, disengaging the OD, then pulling the lock out cable under the dash (typically) to keep the OD disengaged. In that manner the solenoid would not be constantly receiving current. I may be mistaken, and if I am, most certainly somebody better versed in this than me will happen along and set the record straight. Ray
I have a 1951 Mercury with the Flathead and overdrive transmission. My Merc was not a factory overdrive car but I installed the OD transmission and found the original cable for the transmission. I use a stock 6 volt solenoid and I have 12 volts running to it with a toggle switch. I only use overdrive on the highway in third gear. All you do is when you are at your desired speed push in the cable flip the toggle switch and let off the gas and the overdrive is engaged. When you want it out of overdrive flip the toggle switch off and pull the cable out. I have had it set up like this on my car for years and have driven tons of miles and never had one issue whatsoever. My Dad has a 50 Mercury sedan and I set his overdrive up the same way.
Thanks guys, I would be happy with a 3spd but there aren't a lot of these trans laying around anymore. Sum54, I will try that.
There is a ton of info for Warner OD on the web, has been very helpful for me. Aside from the kick down switch, governor, solenoid,relay,there could be a contact in the cable head. Some say the r11 could be used as a brownie box, but that’s not practicle. Beware that freewheel feature can catch you off guard. Also,I found it to be the weak spot in the system. Online: The Warner Automatic OVERDRIVE. MANUAL Best Luck, Marve
The solenoid has two windings, a "pull in" winding and a "hold in winding". It is powered as long as the transmission is operated in overdrive. Actually the OD solenoid has a "pull in" and a "hold in" winding. It is meant to draw some current the whole time the transmission is in overdrive. I liked them set up as designed with the kickdown switch and an operating governor.
The link to the manual. It’s well worth reading until you clearly understand it. Personally, I like wiring them as stock, kickdown and all. If your running an electronic ignition you might need to add a relay-some electronic’s don’t like being grounded, even momentarily. If you want to add a switch to disengage without using the kick down, ask. http://www.oldwillysforum.com/forum/TechData/BWOverdriveManual.pdf Mac at Van Pelts has most parts and a great deal of knowledge on these units. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/
I've had them both ways and either works great, as long as you know how to use it. I can't imagine not having one now, all the great of 3 on the tree and a lower cruising rpm (around a 1000 in my case). At the bare minimum I would say you need a good continuous use rated relay, a o/d cable (Ford suppliers have them) and good quality toggle switch (along with a working o/d solenoid).
Check Van Pelt Sales for info and parts for your OD. You will find that a lot of parts are available for the transmission and OD but not much in the way of the stock controls. I ran a 49 Mercury OD in my 40 coupe for a few years. We used a tiny momentary switch on installed in the end of the column shift knob through a relay in place of the original foot pedal switch. The system worked well. I was just not happy with the durability of the transmission and opted for the S10 5 speed. Check my 40 build thread for details about the controls. OD is the way to go with a flathead powered car if you want to keep up with modern traffic and not wear that flathead out running at 3000 plus RPM all the time.
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