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Classic/Antique Car Repair/3 spd manual with o.d.

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Expert: - 7/9/2008


Question
I have a 57 Chevy with a 3 spd manual w/ overdrive.  When the car is stopped and the O.D. "T" handle is pushed in, the car will not move forward (It will move in reverse). When the car is moving over 45 mph and then the "T" handle is pushed in, the trans will shift into overdrive.  The governor and solenoid work. The solenoid is engaging at 28 mph. When the "T" handle is pulled out, the transmission functions fine as a 3 speed.

Answer
In the over drive unit there is a free wheeling device. It is a sprag or one way clutch device very similar to the over running clutch on a starter drive. Sorry to say that the overdrive will probably have to come out and be overhauled servicing or replacing that one way clutch.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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