Overdrive Throttle Switch

[Andy65]

Points are normally closed in the throttle switch. I found the photos I took when I disassembled it so I am certain. I don't have webspace but will e-mail to anyone.

The cam is spring loaded inside the switch. So you may have to hold a little rotation pressure before tightening the clamp. It is a good idea to put a mark on the shaft.

In older units or any that aren't sealed well, check the spring hasn't corroded away and is still attached.

 

[bt7tricarb]

Well, thanks to all who have replied, but I'm turning it over to more skilled hands. A few points:

- I didn't install the test light. It was installed by the person who did my restoration when my OD quit working several months ago. It aided in the diagnosis of my first OD throttle switch. That switch had truly gone bad. It was the original (or, at least, a very very old one) and had no life left in it no matter how often it was disassembled, cleaned, and put back together.

- I may have "over-adjusted" the switch in the beginning. I definitely heard the springs clanging, but I did "mark" the original position (took a pencil and drew a line where the slot was on the arm) before I started. It's back to that position now, and behaving just how it did before I started.

As the car needs a few minor things done that have "shaken down or loose" since restoration, it's off to Hendrix Wire Wheel this weekend for a couple of weeks. The OD will be addressed repaired, along with a few other minor things. Also, the car will be winterized (all fluids changed).

Oh... and I finally located a hardtop earlier this summer! This will be transported with the car this weekend. It's an original and needs to be restored.

Anyone who knows the story of my car knows that a good friend of mine (from way back in High School) and fellow British Car enthusiast (he owns probably the nicest early - 1962 - MGB there is) and I are going to restore the top. Now before I set off alarm bells, let me just say my friend:

- has already restored his own hardtop for his MGB, which while I know is not the same, is, at least, similar.
- is a real mechanic (nothing like me who only knows enough to just break stuff, he actually knows how to fix it - and he gets paid for it).
- works at a car dealership with a bodyshop, so he can help with the transport to and from paint, and help with re-assembly and final fit.
- has a HUGE garage at his house and can store it for me during this whole process. This will provide me with a few excuses to go for a weekend visit and eat good bar-b-que, which you can not find in Maryland.

This is extra good for me since he lives only about 30 mins from Hendrix Wire Wheel. So, Hendrix will get the car, my friend will get the top, and I'll get a nice trip in a couple of weeks to get a less buggy car, and start the restoration of the top!

Thanks, again, to all for your advice. I'll find out from Allen Hendrix what it was (OD throttle switch, relay, ???) and post it for closure.

Cheers,
Devin

 

[vette]

Devin, I know I'm going to sound simplistic, but maybe this answer would work for you. the previous owner of my car eliminated the throttle switch. The switch is still there but the wires are just spliced thru solid to eliminate the action of the switch but make the firewall etc look original. With this arrangement you only need ensure that you have some accelleration on (even a wee bit) when you flip the dash toggle switch. It works beautifully, does great downshifts coming off the freeway and eliminates one possible hassle with the circuit. I drove mine that way for (7) summers with no trouble.
Dave C.