Who's removed the governor on a BW overdrive?
 

The overdrive on my 1950 Mercury won't kick in until just under 40 MPH. It sounds like a governor issue, but I went ahead and checked all the other overdrive components first (solenoid, relay, kick down switch)... all appear OK.

Assuming it's the governor.... I can't get the top off the governor without removing the seat, floor carpet, and tunnel cover. So, my question is, is there any risk involved with taking a 1 3/16 open end wrench and removing the entire governor from the overdrive? I assume it un-screws, counter-clockwise from the overdrive case.

I'm running 12 volts... but using a 12 volt solenoid. The firewall relay is original.

Thanks for any help.

Re: Who's removed the governor on a BW overdrive?
 

It just unscrews from tail the housing. There might be excessive wear where the governor shaft makes contact with the switch. The wear block might be damaged too which would delay the switch action.

It should kick the switch in at 26 MPH. It doesn't drop out till around 23 MPH.

Re: Who's removed the governor on a BW overdrive?
 

Thanks for the reply. Was hoping maybe just a cleanup of the mechanism would do it. I can't find a source for governor parts..... if wear as you describe it is evident, do you know if the parts can be fabricated?

Near as I can tell, the total mileage on this unit (original to the car) is around 88,000 miles. So wear is likely.

Re: Who's removed the governor on a BW overdrive?
 

Jackson , try googling Fifth Aveneu Auto Parts Garage. They have O D parts.
mike

Re: Who's removed the governor on a BW overdrive?
 

We have a limited supply of NOS overdrive governors.....all without the driving gear (which can be swapped over if your existing gear is in good condition).

Re: Who's removed the governor on a BW overdrive?
 

Thanks, talked to Randy today.... he has most everything except governor parts.

At this point, not exactly sure what's wrong with the governor.. if anything. I plan to remove the governor from the OD housing tomorrow.... If my caliper measurements are correct, a 1 and 3/16 open end wrench should fit the governor housing.

Re: Who's removed the governor on a BW overdrive?
 

Jackson

Easy to remove and can be tested on bench by using drill to cause rotation and test for continuity with ohm meter. Centrifugal force causes points to operate. Test by one meter lead on screw/wire post and other lead on case of governor.

Open case and clean up will probably solve the problem if governor is the cause of trouble.

Hope this helps,

Tom

Re: Who's removed the governor on a BW overdrive?
 

I haven't checked for a while but there used to be a lot of governors on the flea-pay. Some new and some used good condition. Give Mac VP a holler. He's good to do business with. There are even rubber boot covers available for them to keep them dry.

Re: Who's removed the governor on a BW overdrive?
 

Thanks for the help. I need to find a 1 3/8ths Crows Foot to remove the governor.... a regular open-end won't work on my Merc.... the cross-member (rear engine support) is in the way.,

Likely next week before I get it done... will post results. Again, Thank you for the help.

Re: Who's removed the governor on a BW overdrive?
 

OK, got it fixed. I ended up using a pipe wrench and gently loosened the governor, then unscrewing and removing it from the OVD case. By tilting it a bit, I had just enough room to clear the tunnel.

I took the top off, cleaned it up (it wasn't particularly dirty) shined up the points, checked continuity, put it back together, and re-attached it to the OVD case. At the same time, I replaced the wire.

The car now "shifts" into overdrive at about 29 or 30 mph, which is close enough.

Thanks for all the help. I now know more about BW overdrives than I ever expected to.... and that's just fine.

Re: Who's removed the governor on a BW overdrive?
 

Jackson

Thanks for taking the time to inform everyone the problem has been solved. Too often we never hear that a problem has been fixed.

Think again,

Tom