Discussion
I sold my 1974 MGB roadster a couple of years ago, and missed it so much I have bought a 1971 model that looks almost identical.
I have a problem with the overdrive not engaging, I first established there was power to the dashboard switch, so far so good. Next was there power to the solenoid in 3rd & 4th gear, ignition on, no. I found that the connection to the terminal had come off the gearbox switch, any one who has had experience of this switch knows it is a right B------ to get at. After jacking the car up and putting it an stands I spent almost all day on my back, getting the terminal back together by dropping the gearbox as far as I could then using a very long – long nose pliers getting it back on, only to find after putting everything back together and testing it, it had come back off, (lots of bad language and a pint of beer required). Next day I decided to cut a 3 x 4 inch hole in the side of the body bell housing about 4inches in front of the gear stick just to the passengers side (UK). This means taking out the passenger seat and removing the carpets, to gain easy access to the switch. This I done and found the spade connector was very loose on the spade. Adjustment made to make a tight fit.
Time to re test the electrics.
I now find that the electrics are as they should be i.e. ignition on, power to the solenoid in 3rd & 4th gear only. Ignition off, no power at all. Sounds good.
Road test.
I drove the car down the road got to 3rd & 4th gear, flicked the switch,,,,,,, nothing happened. (back home another lot of bad language and another pint of beer).
After looking at John Twists videos on You Tube about MGB overdrives I decided to take the solenoid apart and see if there is anything in there going wrong. Took it apart cleaned it all, put it back together. Road test, just the same.
Next step I am going to drain the gearbox take out the overdrive oil relief valve and oil pump clean them up replace all o rings, clean it all and re assemble.
After that I am stumped.
Anyone with any ideas??
I have a problem with the overdrive not engaging, I first established there was power to the dashboard switch, so far so good. Next was there power to the solenoid in 3rd & 4th gear, ignition on, no. I found that the connection to the terminal had come off the gearbox switch, any one who has had experience of this switch knows it is a right B------ to get at. After jacking the car up and putting it an stands I spent almost all day on my back, getting the terminal back together by dropping the gearbox as far as I could then using a very long – long nose pliers getting it back on, only to find after putting everything back together and testing it, it had come back off, (lots of bad language and a pint of beer required). Next day I decided to cut a 3 x 4 inch hole in the side of the body bell housing about 4inches in front of the gear stick just to the passengers side (UK). This means taking out the passenger seat and removing the carpets, to gain easy access to the switch. This I done and found the spade connector was very loose on the spade. Adjustment made to make a tight fit.
Time to re test the electrics.
I now find that the electrics are as they should be i.e. ignition on, power to the solenoid in 3rd & 4th gear only. Ignition off, no power at all. Sounds good.
Road test.
I drove the car down the road got to 3rd & 4th gear, flicked the switch,,,,,,, nothing happened. (back home another lot of bad language and another pint of beer).
After looking at John Twists videos on You Tube about MGB overdrives I decided to take the solenoid apart and see if there is anything in there going wrong. Took it apart cleaned it all, put it back together. Road test, just the same.
Next step I am going to drain the gearbox take out the overdrive oil relief valve and oil pump clean them up replace all o rings, clean it all and re assemble.
After that I am stumped.
Anyone with any ideas??
Thanks for the interest, an overall of the lower parts of the overdrive will take place in a weeks time. I hhave looked at all 3 of JT's videos on od. Very interesting. I'll have a look at those other sites suggested.
I was taught about 40 years ago never to dip the clutch while using the od.
Thanks, David.
I was taught about 40 years ago never to dip the clutch while using the od.
Thanks, David.
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