[Healeys] tips on overdrive use

[BJ8Healeys]

Greg, sorry, but I don't think that is correct.  The throttle switch does
NOT prevent the O/D from engaging, regardless of the position of the
accelerator.  It merely prevents the overdrive from being disengaged
immediately when the dash switch is turned off unless you have your foot on
the gas.

The throttle switch provides an alternative electrical path to keep the
overdrive relay coil energized independent of the dash switch, once the
relay coil is energized.
Whether the throttle switch is open or closed, when the dash switch is
selected to O/DRIVE the relay coil is energized.  If the gearshift is in 3rd
or 4th, the solenoid will be powered to operate the overdrive and does not
wait for the throttle switch to do anything.

Although I can't put my hand on the reference, somewhere I read that the
overdrive is designed to take the full torque of the engine.  But I prefer
to drive my car for maximum longevity and not maximum performance, so I tend
to take it easy on the overdrive -- backing off slightly on the gas just as
the overdrive is kicking in.  I use it more for increasing gas mileage and
reducing engine wear on long trips, rather than as an additional gear to
help beat the minivans away from the lights.

Cheers!
Steve



-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces+sbyers=ec.rr.com at autox.team.net
[mailto:healeys-bounces+sbyers=ec.rr.com at autox.team.net]On Behalf Of
Greg Wilkinson
Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2007 12:58 PM
To: Healey List
Subject: Re: [Healeys] tips on overdrive use


Hi Richard,
A properly set up overdrive throttle switch will keep the overdrive from
engaging if you hit the accelerator, then the overdrive switch. Once you let
up on the pedal, the overdrive will kick in automatically. The manual says
the engagement point is about 20% throttle.
.