The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 3-spd overdrive problem

Finally getting around to making my overdrive functional. History: 3-spd OD from Tom Myers in OK, gone through by reputable local shop, governor not functioning so am using a switch instead, solenoid activates, kickdown checks out, freewheels fine, transmission functions fine when locked out of OD. Problem: when dash control is moved to OD position and I let up on accelerator to let it shift up, experience rapid clicking zip kind of sound--a second or so--(sounds terrible, like pulling an old screen-door spring over a screw). Sound abruptly stops but trans does not go into overdrive. Help, please--or am I destined to drive with no OD (not a huge deal as I have 3.31 posi).

I have the same problem with mine, it has gotten progressively worse. It is especially prone to doing that when I freewhweel downhill. Luckily I have another O.D. trans I will rebuild before installing. If I remember correctly someone on this board came up with some good ideas for potential problem areas to explore. Also someone else on this board provided the following url that should be extremely helpful: http://www.classictruckshop.com/clubs/earlyburbs/projects/t85n/rebuild.htm

So what's the problem? Overdrive not fully engaging? Wear? Misalignment? Bad spring in the solenoid?

If so, I may be looking for a solenoid and governor to get this thing going right. On to the swap meet?

Trans. rebuilder didn't tell me there was a problem--of course, he didn't tell me the governor was trashed either.

I just rebuilt my '62 3+od. It's not hard to identify the problem once you get in there but I think checking out the solenoid is a good place to start. To remove the solenoid you remove your electrical connection, the two bolts, and then give it a quarter turn and gently pull out. If you drain off 2 cups of the 90 weight you'll save yourself a mess. Take jumper cables to your battery, base of solenoid to ground and hot to screw and see if it sustains, if it doesn't it's off to the rebuilders with it, check Hemmings or maybe other Stovebolt links. If the solenoid is good, it's time to gather good drawings and go further. If you set your's up for a switch on the dash, make sure you NEVER START OUT IN OVERDRIVE. I put an inline 'idiot light' to indicate the OD is engaged on the dash to remind me. Let me rephrase the NEVER... above, you can start out in OD but it causes premature wear in parts and was not set up from the factory or dealership to start out in OD, the governor assured this. I bypassed my governor altogether in my wiring. Good luck and let us know how you fare, Cosmo.