Classic/Antique Car Repair/R 10 ovrdrive

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Expert: - 8/25/2008


Question
I was driving my '58 Rambler after a major overhaul. Everything was working very well. All of a sudden at 50 mph, the rear wheels chirped and the engine raced. It had come out of overdrive without my letting off the gas and now it has no overdrive and will not even freewheel. The kickdown switch by the throttle linkage and the governor are new. I am embarrassed to say that I did not check my OD oil level, it was almost dry (from draining out during the engine pull.) How can I get my OD back?


Answer
If the planetary gear set seized up because of lack of lubrication, you are faced with removing and rebuilding the unit. And this is a possability. First make sure that the OD cable and control is working and shifting the OD unit. This will require getting under the car while some one inside operates the unit. Let me know.
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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