The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 3 Speed Over Drive Problems

Guys,
I need some help! Driving home from work today from a job I might not have after Monday (Pfizer) my Overdrive wouldn't kit in. It is toggle switch ran so I know it's not a relay. I checked and I have power to the solenoid. Opened it up and cleaned the contact that's happen before, but I still get no click. Plus the amp gauge is showing a huge discard then I have power to the solenoid. I think it might be shot? Anybody have one or know where I might get one for a good deal. After Monday I might be an out of work Research Scientist.

Willy 57

that solenoid seems to be unavailable nowadays, Willy - I got 1 a few years ago from Golden State, but they don't list it anymore - let us know if ya find 1 - prolly an auto electric shop is best bet, or someplace that specializes in vintage trans rebuilds . . .

Bill

See em from time to time on ebay. Gud luk.

Willy, take it easy, you have several options. The first is to pull the OD cable lockout and go Direct Drive, that gets you to work, just maybe not on the freeway. Remove the solonoid from the transmission, remember the 1/4 twist before you pull out, it won't pull out directly. The mount is above the gear oil line, but be prepared for some leakage. Leave your toggle wire in place on the solonoid body and jury rig a ground (remember, when home the solonoid is part of the engine-trans.-drivetrain). Did you do the toggle wiring? If not, walk it through from power source to appliance, no pinch points or abrasion? Flip your toggle, the solonoid's job as you know is to sustain the 'OUT' position. You've said you cleaned the contacts in the past, clean them off again. This is a sealed environment, not waterproof to 100 meters, but, you should have a rubber ring where the halves meet. Make one out of the bicycle inner tube you have hanging around the garage. I believe this is where your problem lies, as you've stated that you've cleaned out the contacts, this environment needs a better seal, I use the rubber seal and a bead of silicone.http://jpinto.20megsfree.com/ Here's a link to a rebuilder. IMHO, your unit can be rebuilt. I carry a spare solonoid for long trips. I learned from an old Inliner that when these solonoids stopped working, the old timers would MAKE THEM MANUALLY OPERATED. Huh?! Yes, he said that they would remove the electricals and create a pivot point so that pulling a manual choke-type-friction cable would push the rod forward, thereby SUSTAINING the push needed to engage the overdrive. I think his was spring loaded and he had one of those cables where you could pull-out-and-twist to lock in the 'out' position. I'm going to build one just because your 'problem' has inspired me. Good luck, let us know how it goes.

Cosmo,
Thanks for the help! I knew I could count on a fellow stovebolter for info. Sure I am not the only one that has ever gone down this road. I think I may just pull the tranny and put the heavy duty 3 speed that came with it in and have the whole mess rebuilt while I am at it. I will call the people you sent the link to Monday, and probably Portland to get the overhaul kit. Also I like the idea of a spare like you have.

Willy 57
That literature you have might be handy, anyway you might be able to help me out?