Linda,
Two things come to mind (and BTW I'm having the same problem at the next stage
- no overdrive at all - but the beginning symptoms were the same), solenoid
and pump. The solenoid should be easy enough to test and it sounds like yours
is functioning because you can get the OD to engage. However, it may be
defective (e.g., sticking) or perhaps there is an electrical short somewhere.
I would rule out the electrical first by inspecting the lines and connections.
Next is the integrity of the solenoid itself - unfortunately I'm not sure how
to bench test for this - however, you should be able to hear the solenoid
click as you engage and disengage with the ignition switch on (but motor not
running). If you can't then this may be the problem - indeed, I cannot hear
mine click even though I have verified the electrics and may have to cough up
the $$ for a new one (about $100 - anyone have a good used one???).
Next is the pump. Unfortunately I know nothing about this other than what an
old lbc mechanic explained to me about 8 years ago (I glaze over easy) when it
was determined that the solenoid on the OD was fine but the pump was not doing
its thing sufficiently to keep the OD in OD. This typically happened after it
had been running for awhile either failing to engage or dropping right out of
OD in the middle of a road trip. I seem to recall that cleaning the filter
helped. So this may also be the source of your OD ailment.
Anyway, this is minimally helpful and hopefully some of the old (or young)
farts on the list will have "been there and done that" and can help set us
both back on the path of OD heaven.
BTW, both my 69 C and 69 B Roadster ODs work in 3rd and 4th (when they are
working of course). The 71 B GT I had awhile back there had an OD that worked
in all 4 gears - weird but apparently harmless. Anyway, I believe that the LH
overdrive in the chrome bumper cars is suppose to work in both 3rd and 4th -
I'm not sure if this is different for RB cars.
BTW BTW the acronym "OD" use above is for Over Drive and not Obsessive
Disorder and "RB" is for Rubber Bumper not Really Bonkers (I know how you
obsessive types can be!).
Dr. Doug
69 C Roaster (OD works like a dream)
69 C GT (Automatic - you tell me OD or not??)
69 B Roaster (OD on the fritz)
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-mgs@autox.team.net On Behalf Of Linda Watson
Sent: Friday, July 18, 1997 2:11 PM
To: mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: '75B OD problem
<bold><color><param>0000,8080,8080</param>Hi all, If this was covered in
the last OD discussion I missed it. Problem: OD cuts out and it always
seems to happen after the car's been running a few miles. Sometimes
switches back and forth, in quick succession, and sometimes doesn't
engage at all. Oil level is good, and I don't know what else to look
for. (By the way, is it supposed to work in third gear? Mine doesn't.)
In my last(first message) I rather arrogantly stated that I used to be
obsessed...well, it's coming back! What's the best owners manual to
get?
Went to Vancouver recently and my baby performed like a true
champ..except for the OD, which was probably just as well as there was
radar set up in more than a few places. On the whole trip I only had to
gear down once, for the hill approaching the toll booth on the
Coquihalla. Next trip has to be via the Fraser Canyon; much more
fun.
Thanks, Linda
'75 B, beater</color></bold>
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