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Laycock Overdrive Torubles

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rovernut

rovernut

Jedi Trainee
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My fathers 74 1/2 Gt has an overdrive that seems to work when it wants.........We,ve drained the oil many times, replaced the column switch, new soleniod, cleaned the strainer and ball but it seems to work fine for a bit then nothing........Any ideas.........He,s about to buy a new switch for the gearbox....Can you reverse if this is engaged and not ruin the unit..... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/canpatriot.GIF /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif...I,m stumped other than its typically British.......Works when not needed
 
Rovernut,
Most overdrive troubles are in the adjustments unless somthing is badly worn. If it is not an adjustment, than perhaps an acumulator o-ring or as you elude to the safety switch to keep it out of overdrive. Many of the Healey folks swear by Redline MT90 oil which helped not just the OD but shifting smoothness in general in my Healey gearbox. Here is one of the best references on OD trouble shooting. This particular one covers the "type A" but I am not sure which you have as I am not too familiar with MG setups. Note that there are four previous sections that really get into things. This last section will give you some ideas about general electrical & control problems.
OD reference

One thing to never do with an overdrive is to backup with it engaged, you will break the sprug clutch and have an expensive problem.
 
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