Overdrive

M

Mike/Nebraska

Senior Member
I have a Volvo electric overdrive in my A. I can't get it to engage the solenoid. It's 12 v. I know I've seen posts on here about running theirs on 6v.. If I touch 12 volts to the solenoid it clicks. I'm still running 6v. Any suggestions? Aside from going to 12 v
 
Hello Mike, first of all what oil are you using we in NZ use 75 w 80 GL4. They used to share the oil with the gearbox/ transmission. The solenoid is clicking but it may not be holding the 400 psi needed to stay in gear. First thing I would try is another solenoid if you have one available. you will need a 1 inch open spanner/wrench with narrow sides to remove the solenoid. I know of some here in NZ using 6 volts with no problems. All parts are available from Overdrive spares in UK. They can supply a solenoid reco kit. Good luck.
 
A well respected past member always said “ electrical connections clean bright and tight” , I will add make sure your grounds are good, clean bright tight!
 
It hasn't worked since it was installed. It was supposedly by Rich Little. I called him and talked to his partner and he said it wasn't one of theirs. so, who knows. But he did send me a very nice, detailed wiring diagram for it.
 
The solenoid works just fine on 6V, like stated above. The current draw is small maybe a few amps. If you here it click, that means the plunger is moving. As said above, drain the oil and install what you fill comfortable with. People have used syn gear lube, motor oil, that what I use, 10W-40. The O/D will work in all 3 gears. With switch on, start in first slowly, should feel it shift into O/D, meaning the pump built up pressure to move the cone clutch. Mine was bult by Rich Little, he makes a great product.
You can take the bottom plate off, when you drain the oil and look at the magnetic filter plate and clean it.The oil should come out clean.
 
There were several fabricators using the Volvo/Laycock overdrive. Popularity of those and the R10 Borg Warners have dropped off somewhat since the Mitchell overdrive came out.
 
I have no problem with the 6 volts activating the solenoid on my Laycock OD. But one thing you do need is to have clean connections and use 14 or 12 gauge wire for the electrical connections. This will minimize any volt drop caused by smaller wire.
 
I have the Laycock from Rich Little. I am running 6 volts. It has worked fine for 10 years.
First, make sure you have power to the unit.
Second, I run 10-30 wt oil.
When you change the oil, be sure to clean the filter on the bottom plate.
Also, you will see a round disk with two pin holes in it on the bottom of the unit after you remove the plate. You will need two punches to go into the holes on the disk. Hold them parallel and place a screwdriver between them to back out the disk. Under the disk you will find another filter to clean.
Good Luck
 
Before I would convert to 12 volts, I would get a 12 volt battery. Disconnect the power lead to the unit. Ground the positive side of the battery to the overdrive and put power to the unit using the negative side. See if that engages your unit. My concern is that you change to a 12 volt system only to find the unit still does not engage. I suggest you try this first..
 
6 volt solenoids? My Dad & I had several Ford / Mercury cars pre 1956 that were overdrive equipped, all 6 volts.
 
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