Overdrive solenoid question

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Oct 11, 2021 | 07:52 PM

tomrooster-1

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From: Monroe NJ

Overdrive solenoid question

Is there a way to get my trans into o/drive without a working solenoid , I never hooked up the needed components ,just used it as a conventional 3 speed and it works fine like that but before investing in the rest of the stuff I would like to see it work in O/D but the solenoid is bad and new ones aint cheap. Thanks Tom

Oct 11, 2021 | 09:42 PM

ALBUQ F-1

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From: NM

I don't know of a way. You can bypass the governor (purely electrical) but the solenoid actually engages the gears.

Oct 12, 2021 | 11:35 AM

tomrooster-1

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Tuned

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From: Monroe NJ

Well I tried putting the solenoid back in now that I know it's bad and can't seem to get it. is there a trick ? Thanks Tom

Oct 12, 2021 | 12:20 PM

ALBUQ F-1

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From: NM

You have to get it in the mating pawl inside, then turn 90°. Not sure which way.

Oct 12, 2021 | 06:49 PM

tomrooster-1

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Tuned

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From: Monroe NJ

Thanks, I got it, kept trying and eventually I got it. The first time it went in I had the OD lever to the back then rotated the driveshaft and it fell in place but it was wrong cause I couldn't move the OD lever to the front so I tried it anyhow and I think it might have been in OD , I only moved it out of the shop but couldn't put it in reverse so I didn't want to take it down the road so I removed the solenoid and backed it back in the garage. Then got it in right. I found a used solenoid on ebay that I will try next week. Tom

Oct 12, 2021 | 06:53 PM

raytasch

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From: W. Central FL.

Those solenoids were used in many applications as many manufacturers of the era used those Borg Warner OD units. I stumbled onto a site a few days ago that had new reproductions or rebuilt solenoids. Both were available in six and twelve volts and in two different shaft lengths.

Oct 16, 2021 | 10:37 AM

38 coupe

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From: Houston

The solenoid is rotated a bit on the plunger axis to line it up with the slot inside the transmission. Once the flange on the solenoid on the up against the transmission you rotate back to line up the bolts. You can easily test a solenoid by grounding the body and putting power to each wire. I usually use jumper cables for that since I have them lying around. One of the two wires (or bolt connections on early 6V units) will do nothing. The other wire when powered will cause the solenoid to engage "vigorously". Find the wire that engages the solenoid and rig up a way to power it while driving (crudest method I have ever done was two wires with alligator clips, I made the connection while dad drove). Put everything together and test drive. While driving 30 mph or more in high gear push the overdrive cable in, then make the electrical connection, then let off the gas; the overdrive should engage. Break the electrical connection then let off the gas again to drop out of overdrive.