So CCRobins suggests we blindly follow the manual and ignore the consensus
of opinion of those experienced with the situation? May I suggest a kinder,
gentler and more sensible approach?
What is usually overlooked in this discussion is that the manual was written
to instruct people how to use an overdrive unit that was brand new. There
isn't one of them out there now that's less than eighteen years old; early
D-types are thirty-five years old. As we all find, age can have a somewhat
damaging effect even on the most hardy specimens!
In the course of my business, I drive a lot of cars with overdrive. Both my
68 BGT and my 77 roadster have overdrive. They are all different in the ways
they engage and disengage! With some, you can absolutely follow the manual
and not bother to use the clutch. (My 77's LH unit works this way.) Flip the
switch, the engine's rpm changes with no shudder or clunk in the driveline.
My '68, however, and most others that I drive, will shift into overdrive
without using the clutch and without clunking, but shifting back out of
overdrive? If I don't dab the clutch, there's a heckuva clunk through the
driveline. Larry Hoy reports this happens at high speed only; in my
experience, it can happen at all speeds.
So, in the interests of not damaging gears, universal joints, the overdrive
itself, or my peace of mind, I refuse to be controlled by something written
thirty years ago. I just flat-out disobey the manual and use the clutch! So
far, the "manual obedience" police haven't caught up with me - and my
overdrives are still working just fine.
My advice to anyone with overdrive in their car is, therefore, if it shifts
perfectly smoothly without the clutch, fine, save your leg effort. But if
the shift in or out of overdrive is accompanied by any driveline clunk or
thud, save the mechanical pieces by using your leg on the clutch. A shapely
calf muscle is more acceptable than the major expense associated with
overdrive repairs!
Lawrie
British Sportscar Center
-----Original Message-----
From: ccrobins <ccrobins@ktc.com>
To: Carl W. French <cfrench@cybertours.com>
Cc: Eugene Balinski <eugeneb@nni.com>; mgs@autox.team.net
<mgs@autox.team.net>
Date: Saturday, November 07, 1998 8:30 PM
Subject: Re: O.D. - to clutch or not to clutch...
>This kind of post pops up now and then. What I don't understand is:
>If the manual clearly says how to do something, whoin'ell cares what the
>consensus is??
>
> CR
>
>
>>
>> Eugene Balinski wrote:
>> >
>> > My "new" 80 B has OD. TheP.O always used the clutch
>> > to engage/disengage. The owners manual says no clutching
>> > is necessary. What is the concensus ??
>> >
>> > Thanks,
>> >
>> > Gene
>>
>
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