Bob_Spidell
Yoda
Offline
Having just rebuilt my BJ8's OD and with a newfound understanding of their practical workings, I started thinking about how to dis/engage the OD so as to preserve the cone ('sliding') clutch, which are not available from the usual suspects (all I could find was a rebuilt one from DWR, requiring lots of dosh and return of a core). Like most of us, I used to just hit the switch, either while cruising but usually while accelerating, but with the understanding of the clutch and brake ring wear points I started looking for the 'right way' (although my clutch and brake ring were still in apparent good condition after almost 200K miles). I have found two experts and, surprise surprise, they have differing recommendations:
1) https://www.quantumechanics.com/
2) https://www.britsportofseattle.com/2010/05/how-to-drive-your-laycock-overdrive-eqipped-car/
Since the rebuild, I've been engaging it per #2; #1 differs in that it doesn't call for pushing in the clutch. This works well because with an upgraded accumulator the OD engages all but instantly, so by the time I put the clutch pedal in, throw the switch and let the pedal out I am in overdrive (but I don't get the satisfying rush of engaging 'warp speed'). Using this method means the OD clutch is fully engaged before the load is (re-) applied, so would presumably preserve the lining on the sliding (cone) clutch (but would also somewhat increase wear on the engine clutch). OTOH, I've driven this car for almost 200K miles by just throwing the switch under WOT, and it's still got, I'd guess, at least another 100K on it. It looks like the OD is a robust unit--electricals notwithstanding--that could tolerate ham-fistedness like mine, but what is your take on 'best practices?'
1) https://www.quantumechanics.com/
2) https://www.britsportofseattle.com/2010/05/how-to-drive-your-laycock-overdrive-eqipped-car/
Since the rebuild, I've been engaging it per #2; #1 differs in that it doesn't call for pushing in the clutch. This works well because with an upgraded accumulator the OD engages all but instantly, so by the time I put the clutch pedal in, throw the switch and let the pedal out I am in overdrive (but I don't get the satisfying rush of engaging 'warp speed'). Using this method means the OD clutch is fully engaged before the load is (re-) applied, so would presumably preserve the lining on the sliding (cone) clutch (but would also somewhat increase wear on the engine clutch). OTOH, I've driven this car for almost 200K miles by just throwing the switch under WOT, and it's still got, I'd guess, at least another 100K on it. It looks like the OD is a robust unit--electricals notwithstanding--that could tolerate ham-fistedness like mine, but what is your take on 'best practices?'