[Healeys] Overdrive

[George Haywood]

Fred,

It sounds like you may need to check the overdrive throttle switch on the firewall.  If it is not activating (deactivating) or set properly the electrical circuit to the solenoid is not broken even though you turn off the dash switch.  The throttle switch is designed to cut out power to the solenoid when the gas pedal is depressed I think about 1/5 or so of the way to full throttle.  There is a procedure for that test in your shop manual.

Take care,

George Haywood
'65 bj8


---- Fred Wescoe <fredwescoe at gmail.com> wrote: 
> While the subject of overdrives is being discussed, I have come across
> ongoing problems with the overdrive of my 66BJ8.
> 
> The overdrive is filled with 30 WT non-detergent oil and after running the
> engine, for about an hour, with all 4 corners on jack stands, the trans oil
> level is spot on the line between "low" and "high".
> 
> Now for the problems;
> 
> 1.  The overdrive does not disengage when turned off.  The hole in the
> lever on the right side of the trans lines up with the hole in the case
> when the OD is activated.
> 
> 2.  When I turn the solenoid power off, the solenoid lever does not fall
> from the engaged position.  I suspect the lever may be pushed against the
> trans case and the friction does not allow the lever to drop down.  When I
> move the lever by hand, it is not loose, it requires some pressure to get
> it to move.  The solenoid does not have a problem lifting the lever when I
> apply power.
> 
> 3.  I cannot get a wrench to fit the pinch bolt to release the lever from
> the valve operating shaft.  What size nut/bolt "should the pinch bolt be?
> 
> 3.  The solenoid does not release when the dash or ignition switch is
> turned off, (checked with a volt meter).  What could still be sending power
> to the solenoid?  What electrical part should I check first and how?
> 
> I have been struggling with trying to resolve this OD problem on and off
> during the winter and as the weather is now getting nice, I would like to
> get this resolved.
> 
> Help!!!!
> 
> Fred
> 
> 63 BJ7 deceased
> 
> 66 BJ8