Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

M

Mer

Junior Member
Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

I’ve trying to figure out what fluid to use in my transmission, banjo and Borg Warner Ovedrive. I understand that I can’t mix fluids as the three share oil passages. The trans and banjo call for 600 W oil while the Borg Warner OD manual recommends GL1 (straight mineral oil). Afraid of using GL1 in the trans and rear and concerned that the 600 W in the Borg Warner OD will be too thick and hinder or make inoperable? What to do? What are others using?
 
Re: Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

Mer said:
I’ve trying to figure out what fluid to use in my transmission, banjo and Borg Warner Ovedrive. I understand that I can’t mix fluids as the three share oil passages. The trans and banjo call for 600 W oil while the Borg Warner OD manual recommends GL1 (straight mineral oil). Afraid of using GL1 in the trans and rear and concerned that the 600 W in the Borg Warner OD will be too thick and hinder or make inoperable? What to do? What are others using?
Click to expand...

I'm not familiar with the Borg Warner O/D. Please explain how the three share oil. I'm always looking to learn something new.

I still have a few KB left to fill in the memory banks.
 
Re: Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

Just reading through other related blogs that is what was indicated. However, Tom Endy article indicates that there is a front and rear seal in the OD unit that should contain the lube/oil.

So that's about all i know. Not much help.
 
Re: Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

So you put the 600 w in the Borg Warner OD, rear and trans. Does the heavy oil effect the warm up time of the BW OD? In other words, does it take 10 to 20 minutes before the OD engagee (until the oil is warmed up)?

Thanks, Mike
 
Re: Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

One of the disadvantages to the Borg Warner modifications of the day for a Model A was the seal used at the rear of the BW was not an oil seal, it was the standard grease seal originally used in the Model A for the drive shaft and axle shafts. It was common for the BW oil to migrate through the seal into the differential. You had to check it every 400-500 miles and add oil to the BW and drain some out of the banjo.

One BW builder of the time recommended using a 30-40 weight motor oil in the BW. The Model A transmission and differential uses a 600W oil. Use of a heavier oil in the BW slows down the shifting process, especially when it is cold.

Tom Endy
 
Re: Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

My B/W was put together by Llloyd Young. Lloyd told me to check it annually, and use 90W rear end grease. it warms up fairly quick. Never had any problems.
 
Re: Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

GL4 for the OD unit. The recommendation in my Lincoln Mercury O/H manual was mild EP. GL3 was mild back then and GL4 replaced that. SAE 85/90 GL4 would be good. Stay-Lube is available. The unit has an overrunning clutch that can be damaged by high EP lubes.
 
Re: Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

The BW OD does not work at all. The relay and solenoid work fine. I have the option 2 set up per Les Andrew’s book, by/passing the governor.
With T Handle pushed (engaged) the car does NOT freewheel. The BW manual refers to procedure when lockout T handle not functioning. Just wondering if any experienced the same?
 
Re: Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

If it will not freewheel it will not drop in. Are you sure the freewheelling arm is going far enough? It's either that or the prong is not moving the gizmo inside because it's not slipped over it.
Something simple.
 
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Re: Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

The T cable appears to be moving the arm on the borg Warner unit from one stop to the other. The solenoid was sucked in during the install procedure so I know that is correct
 
Re: Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

Possible the prong is not fully engaged and requires manual adjustment (rotating driveshaft in neutral)as described in BW manual
 
Re: Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

If the overdrive unit was allowed to run low on lubricant, the ring/sun gears will lock up with a bang. This will result in no free-wheeling and no overdrive. It sounds like a tear-down and inspection is in order.
 
Re: Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

Mer, don't open it up except as a last resort. Another thing, once you open it up you need to have a source to deal with whatever, or supply you with needed parts. The thing is very likely to fall apart in your hands.
 
Re: Borg Warner Overdrive in a ‘31 Model A

Tom,

We have a '31 Model A with a BW OD (R-10).

I believe the solenoid and relay work fine.

The OD does not function.

The car does not go into freewheel when the T lockout handle is pushed in (and switch is off). The lockout lever seems to move to easy on the side of the overdrive. I have read the BW user manual over and they suggest a potential fix for this issue (without pulling the OD unit out). I have read the numerous articles you have published. Unfortunately, no one in the NJ Model A club has too much knowledge about BW OD's. Hoping you and I can have a brief call to get your thoughts. So sorry for the intrusion. I'm located in NJ and my number is 908-247-1637, I can call you at your convenience?
Sincerly appreciate your efforts.

Regards, Mike Rosenberg
 
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