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testing OD trans out of car?

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artmck

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I bought an OD MGB trans and would like to verify if it is worth the effort to install, or if it might need attention. Easy enough to test solenoid, but are any other tests practical? It is out of an '80, supposedly low mileage car, but I think it was in the weather for a while.
Thanks
 
To really test the OD unit, it has to be spun up to real world speed. The OD pump has to be able to build enough pressure to engage. You could build a test rig with a motor of some sort to spin the transmission but it would be a rather large instrument! Quantum Mechanics in Monroe, CT has such a unit.
 
Did they test your trans and determine what is needed first, prior to a rebuild or if once it's in the machine for testing are you commited to the rebuild?
 
The only test you can make is to see if it works or if it doesn't. You can also open the access cover and look inside to eyeball the general condition of the gears. But once it's disassembled you're in for the whole enchilada. Or I suppose you could skip paying for the rebuild and get a box of bits mailed back to you!
 
Okay, I built an OD test table some time ago for Jack Farrington (actually, he & I built it together) - we used some straps & 2x4's to hold the trans to the table; then, we bolted an electric motor to the table parallel to trans tailshaft with the pulley aligned with the rear of the trans where we attached a modified pulley to the rear of the trans itself (so, when you hook up a belt between motor & pulley we bolted onto rear of trans, trans turns in correct direction)....put trans in 4th, turn on motor & when trans is spiining, flip OD switch! you'll know if it works...
 
My plan is to put the output U-joint 'stub' in a lathe, tie town the bellhousing and crank it up. I took the solenoid stuff out to check, and when voltage is applied it pulls the plunger toward the outside of the case almost flush with the windings so that it basically touches the cover, I thought it would shoot the plunger into the trans, but I don't really know what needs to happen internally.
 
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