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Classic/Antique Car Repair/borg warner overdrive 1954

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Expert: - 9/9/2009


Question
I have a 54 dodge Od installed in a 41 Chry it was great for 3/4 yrs but on my way to a meet it popped out of OD and won't engage again. I've check out the electrical to the point where the manuel suggests running a lead from the governor to inside the car going up to speed and it won't shift itself ground it to shift. At rest with the gov grounded I get the required clicks. Theproblem is it won't freewheel,so I don't want to force it at speed. I have a bunch of books on the subject but no reference to a freewheeling problem. The transmission is quiet and works fine in the 3 speeds it just won't freewheel for the upshift. Thanks for your time and help. sincerely. Alan Welch

Answer
It could be that the solenoid is jammed into the ring gear. Take the solenoid off the transmission and using jumper wires on the bench see if it will extend and retract. If this is not the problem the transmission will probably have to come out and be torn down.
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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