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MG MGB Technical - Laycock o/d

overdrive has finally given up the ghost.
Initially, it was slow to engage, but not always, then intermittent and / or slow to engage, but it has always disengaged immediately on switching to "normal".
Car is a '73 with a Laycock o/d unit. I've dropped the filter and no swarf, or obvious "bits" and the oil is 20/50.
Anyone had similar problems ?
Graham

I had a similar problem and the small wire from the solenoid had chaffed and was shorting on the casing. A partial overhaul by OD Spares ( http://www.odspares.com/ ) at Rugby, England sorted it. They replaced the solenoid coil(windings only) and the O ring seals and it has been fine sonce (touch wood!). I hope that helps.
Mike Abel

First thing to do should always be an electrical test. With the solenoid energised there should be between 800mA and 1 amp flowing. Easiest place to measure this on a 73 is probably by removing one of the wires from the manual switch on the dash, and inserting an ammeter resting on the console. That way you can monitor the current while driving and switching it in and out.
PaulH Solihull

I also experienced intermittent OD operation. After much testing, it turned out to be the solenoid. When it reached a certain temperature, it would fail to conduct current. After 39 years of use, I wasn't that upset that it had finally failed. A new unit cured the problem. Now it engages, as well as disengages instantly, like it did when new. RAY
rjm RAY

This thread was discussed between 06/07/2011 and 07/07/2011

MG MGB Technical index

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