56 overdrive

J

JimT

Member
I have a 56 fairlane with overdrive that is not working, i get to 28 MPH and it kills the engine. Can I use a four wire relay and how do I wire it.
 
Ok I suppose it may be a mechanical problem and I wouldn't have a clue, but...
My first guess is it's an electrical problem. Something mis-wired or a short that kills the ignition when the OD tries to kick in.
Here's a link to a wiring diagram that should be 99% the same as your '56, if it will help you out.
I'm noticing the OD kickdown switch is wired to the points/distributor side of the ignition coil,
and the OD relay is wired to the ignition ballast resistor.

http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/tOCMP/wiring/5765wiring diagrams/Ford/MWire5765-195.jpg

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I think the relay is not the problem and replacing it won't help. I would think there is more than one problem to cause your symptom. You can temporarily remove the fuse from the relay to drive the car. Does the car "free wheel" when you let off the accelerator when the OD handle is pushed in toward the dash?
 
With the engine running press the kickdown switch by hand. If the engine stops disconnect the wire at the #6 terminal on the solenoid. Restart the engine and press the kickdown switch again. If the engine stays running check the terminal insulator on the solenoid cap, or the solenoid is bad internally. If the engine stops with the terminal disconnected either a wire is grounded or the kickdown switch is bad. I vote for the switch.

http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/manuals/trans/Borg-Warner%20Overdrive/index.htm
 
The Borg Warner overdrive system momentarily kills the engine via the coil power connection when you hit the kick down switch for passing and such. This function is provided at the kick down switch initially and then the ground path is interrupted by the main solenoid when it drops out of overdrive. The system need this momentary function to allow a clean drop out and it should only be about a split second in actual operation. If there is a problem with the kick down wiring, the kick down switch, or the solenoid internal switching then this could be where the problem lies.

You should look for one of the on line diagrams for the Borg Warner R10 electric overdrive. More than a few manufactures used them. My source is from the 1949 thru 51 Mercury/Lincoln Overhaul Manual.
 
Just eliminate the circuit from the switch to the ign coil. That will leave the governor circuit still functional.
 
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