TR2/3/3A Test an overdrive trans.

[sp53]

I was thinking that I have the body off the frame and I am putting the engine and trans in then starting the motor without the body on, could I do some of the over drive bench testing that way?

 

[CJD]

Sure...as long as it spins.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Just be sure it disengages correctly before using 1st or Reverse.

 

[TR3driver]

Yeah. First won't hurt anything with no load; but if the OD engages in reverse you have the classic irresistible force meeting an immoveable object. Generally the sprag clutch in the OD explodes, ruining the housing as well.

 

[sp53]

Thanks for the replies, I have been reading what I can on the OD and still not sure if I am going to do the minimum or do a complete rebuild. I read a how to on putting the 3/16 pin in and adjusting the arm. It seemed straight forward. I am most likely going to purchase a new solenoid and relay to make sure they work ok. When I undid the solenoid, only the top half came off. I do not know if that is correct? It might be because it came apart pretty clean? Anyways I do want to drain the OD. Would I pull the large brass plug of the bottom? And if so, are there some suggestions for a tool to loosen it?

 

[TR3driver]

When I undid the solenoid, only the top half came off. I do not know if that is correct? It might be because it came apart pretty clean?

Nope, definitely not correct. Some of the replacements do have a seam there, but it was crimped together originally. A poor design, in my opinion as the plunger tries to drive that joint apart every time you engage the solenoid.

Anyways I do want to drain the OD. Would I pull the large brass plug of the bottom? And if so, are there some suggestions for a tool to loosen it?

The usual suspects offer purpose-made tools, or there are several approaches to building your own. Here are my two versions:

The one in the background was my first attempt, made with common hand tools and material from the local hardware store. Home Depot has the big flat iron bar back in the building materials section, where it's sold for a concrete form stake. I drilled and tapped two holes, inserted bolts, then filed the bolts to match the slots in the plug. The result worked well enough, I used it for many years, but was a bit awkward to maneuver under the car. So after I got the mill, I made the other one from a big socket I found on eBay for cheap. I think it's an 4x4 axle adjusting tool or something like that.

 

[sp53]

Nice job Randall that looks like it would fit perfect. I will give fabricating something up a try.