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MG MGB Technical - Overdrive solenoid

I'm currently overhauling my overdrive on my 72 B roadster as it has stopped engaging.Can you tell me if the ball bearing in the solenoid valve is actually 'seated'- when I took the valve assembly off the car the ball bearing simply dropped out but one article on the subject tells me it should be seated using a wooden drift. Either way it doesn,t seem to want to stay in position- is this my problem? Martyn
Martyn

Martyn,

This reference to "seated" probably meant hitting it gently with a drift to improve the seating of the ball if it is thought the ball valve is leaking. Rather like grinding in an engine valve. The ball should be free to drop out when you remove the solenoid. When you refit it use a tiny drop of grease to "glue it to the stem of the solenoid. When I bought my car the overdrive was not working and it turned out that the ball had fallen down the side of the solenoid stem and jammed it.

John
John Tampkins

John - thanks alot, I've just put the solenoid assembly back in with new O rings and ball bearing. I now intend to inspect the pump and do the same. Unfortunately, I cannot see how to remove the end plug-is there a special tool that fits in the two holes so it can be rotated? Also, according to my article, there's an O ring to remove first but I can't see it, I assume its a little way up the bore and covered by the plug. Martyn
Martyn

Martyn,

A made a simple tool out of a piece of scrap metal bar and a couple of small bolts the right space apart.

If I remember rightly it was not very tight so you might get away with a piece of thick wood and 2 nails?

John
John Tampkins

This thread was discussed between 06/10/2008 and 07/10/2008

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