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Tips
Tips

Overdrive solenoid on BN6

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bighealeysource

bighealeysource

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Hey all,
Got my overdrive completely checked out electric wise and
everything working right. Could hear the solenoid clicking
with the gearshift lever check. But was not engaging on the
road. Pulled the trans tunnel cover - just hate taking it all
apart after working so hard to get it together. Anyway,
got it off, and the solenoid is definitely pushing the lever
up and down about 1/2 inch. Have not test drove it yet but would not expect it to start working all of sudden - wait,
probably will after sweating buckets getting it apart.
Question for you Overdrive experts, any good suggestions on
easiest way to adjust, check, etc ? Got the manual and Norman
Nock's tips binder but thought I would see what y'all say.
Thanks,
Mike
 
The solenoid movement is indicative only that the solenoid and the 3rd & 4th gear switch are working. The rigging of the lever that moves the operating valve is more delicate than seeing significant movement of the lever. The BCF tech notes and the shop manual should provide all the measurements you need to adjust the movement. There are several scenarios that could cause your symptoms, even with the solenoid working. Rather than explain them here, I urge you to read everything you can on how the engagement of the overdrive takes place, and then post your questions. The archives here have several good threads on OD engagement. If you take the operating valve hex head cover off on the RH top, you may be able to see if the ball bearing is being lifted by the solenoid lever. Go to www.buckeyetriumphs.org and go to their tech section. Look for the section on the type A overdrive. The data presented is the most detailed and useful OD info you'll ever see. A week of great reading.
 
Hey Jon and all,
Thanks for the link Jon, you're right more info than I could ever figure out
but very helpful. Checked everything out per the manual and Norman Nock's
tech tips and one very simple thing popped up - MAKE SURE THE TRANSMISSION
FLUID IS TOPPED OFF. It was a bit low and filled it up, took her out last night and we have a working overdrive !! Hate to admit it was something that simple
but was a good thing to check it all out from top to bottom. So, for anyone
out there whose overdrive seems to be not engaging like it used to, check the
oil.

As an aside, anyone looking to heat the earth can drive a Healey with the
transmission tunnel off when it's 90+ degrees. Know I heated up South Carolina
last night with the heat off of that beast of an engine.

Regards,
Mike
 
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