[Spits] Spit O/D Issues

[Greg Rowe]

Yes, correct, always hot with the ignition on.  I believe it goes
first to the inhibitor on the front top of the tranny which has
a plunger that shuts off the power when the gearshift isn't
off to the right and then to the switch on the gear shift lever
and then to the solenoid, but I'm not 100% sure.

And yes you can run a hot wire directly to the solenoid.  As the
other poster pointed out, you would need to be in 3th or 4th to
hear the click if you're using the lever switch but with a hot lead directly
will bypass that.  Probably obvious, but as a caution, don't drive
it that way since OD+reverse=big dollar transmission repairs.

It's been a couple of years since I've done this and my memory
isn't quite what it ...what was I saying?  Oh yeah, just be aware that
I have no real OD expertise, just successfully sorted out a similar problem
a couple of years ago so I may not be addressing everything.

Good luck!

Greg Rowe

> From: Michael.Mack at redcross.org
> To: spitfires at autox.team.net
> Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2012 15:24:37 +0000
> Subject: Re: [Spits] Spit O/D Issues
>
> So one of the 2 wires that comes from the engine bay to the O/D wiring
should
> always be hot?
> Can I test the solenoid with a hot lead from the positive side of the
battery
> to see if it clicks?  To eliminate the rest of the wiring for testing?
>
> Mike Mack Rochester, NY
> 79 Spit
> 80 TR8
> 73 Stag
> 70 GT6
>
>
> From: Greg Rowe [mailto:growe58 at hotmail.com]
> Sent: Monday, April 09, 2012 9:43 AM
> To: Mack, Michael (Rochester); Spitfires
> Subject: RE: [Spits] Spit O/D Issues
>
> You should be able to hear the solenoid click when you turn it on and off
> with the engine off.  The wiring consists of the switch in the gear lever,
> the
> solenoid and an inhibitor (to lock out 1st, 2nd and reverse).  I'm not sure
> of the actual wiring order or colors but you should be able to find it on
> line.
>
> I've found that the connections in the on-off switch in the gear lever
> can be finicky and I actually ended up soldering my on (which necessitates
> an annoying unsoldering whenever I remove it.)  I also had the wires
> to the lever go bad from flexing and had to splice in new sections.
>
> I understand that the J-Type OD's are robust so your problem is likely
> wiring or a solenoid.  If it is the solenoid, new ones are somewhat pricey
> but Volvo used the same OD for many years and you may be able to find
> a servicable one cheaply in a junkyard.
>
> Also, I believe there is a useful article on OD on the Canley Classic site.
>
> Why GL1?  I would want to use something more modern than that although
> overdrive transmission lubricants are admittedly one of the biggest
> disagreement areas on our cars.
>
> I agree, once you get used to that OD, it's hard to drive without it!
>
> Good luck!
>
> Greg Rowe
>
>
> > From: Michael.Mack at redcross.org
> > To: spitfires at autox.team.net
> > Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2012 12:43:16 +0000
> > Subject: [Spits] Spit O/D Issues
> >
> > I just replaced the clutch (3 piece AP kit) on my 79 Spitfire over the
> > weekend. The tranny went back in successfully, and it now shifts into
> first.
> > (fingers in the clutch cover were worn and bent).
> >
> > My question:
> > The Tranny has O/D and it worked fine last year before I took out the
> Tranny.
> > I also changed the oil with GL1 Ford Tractor oil. And replaced the rear
> > engine seal and horseshoe gasket, while I was in there.
> > Issue: The O/D switch doesn't engage anymore on 3 or 4th gear. I need to
> > trace the wires against a wiring diagram (I think there is one on the
> > Spitfires & GT6 site), but I think they went back together correctly. Is
> > there a way to test the solenoid without damaging it? Any other things to
> > check out?
> > I put 25 miles on the car yesterday, and really miss the O/D !!
> >
> > Thanks in advance.
> >
> > Mike Mack Rochester, NY
> > 79 Spit
> > 80 TR8
> > 73 Stag
> > 70 GT6
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