Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

I installed a Borg-Warner OD in my Huckster. Now I am trying to figure out the wiring. There are quite a few different wiring diagrams out there and I am really confused. 6 volt Positive ground system. On the unit, I have 2 wires coming out of the OD Solenoid and there is 1 wire coming out of the OD Governor. I have an old Standard Blue Streak 3 post relay. 1 terminal marked "B" 1 marked "L" and 1 marked "S". My intent is to use an over-ride switch instead of a kickdown switch. I guess I could mount the kickdown switch on the dash instead. Can someone help me figure out how this all ties together?

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

Relay and Switch picture attached

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

I simply wired my solenoid direct to a fused push pull switch and indicator lamp I have in a bracket mounted on the steering column. I do not use the governor or the kickdown switch. One has to be mindful to have the solenoid off if you are backing up otherwise, damage to the OD gearbox will ensue or so I am told. In addition, If you are in OD and coming to a stop you must manually switch off OD or you will end up starting out in OD which I am told is hard on the unit. If the governor is hooked up, it does this for you.

I might add that my wiring is 12 volt negative ground. If your solenoid is 12 volts, 6 volts may not be enough to properly energize the solenoid.

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

I always wire the power to the solenoid so that with the shift lever is in the reverse position there can be no power to the solenoid on B/W and Laycock (Volvo) overdrives. I have had no problems of forgetting to disengage as it does it automatically when I put the cars in reverse.

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

Yes, a while back you emailed me some info on the switch setup. That is a possibility.

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

If you use the factory centrifugal switch in conjunction with the solenoid you don't have to worry about reverse. As you slow down the switch cuts out at 20 MPH and breaks the circuit to the Solenoid so the unit automatically drops out of OD. Going into reverse is no problem now.

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

Doug Linden,
Excellent tip on using the centrifugal switch. I hadn’t thought of using it that way to prevent reverse engagement. Going to look at mine today and see if it still has the guts in it. The top of the switch is capped off with a pipe plug.

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

The unit drops out of overdrive so if you go into reverse you wont do any harm but you won't be able to back up until you pull the cable and lock the unit into direct drive.

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

Went ahead and wired it up to use the Governor to control and the mounted the Kickdown Switch on the steering column next to the OD controls. Did not hook up the Ignition interrupt since backfires scare our Chi-Weenie dog!
Moves around the driveway and shop fine. Will maybe test drive this evening or tomorrow and see if this works.

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

I think the switch you installed is better than the kickdown switch.
Also make sure you check the oil regularly as the planetary gear needs lubrication or the small needle bearings will fail.

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

Thanks, not sure how much I will use that switch but it may come in handy.

Thanks for the maintenance tip. I was kinda surprised that there isn't much capacity.

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

I went ahead and wired the B-W using a switch for power on and off and the Governor to trigger the relay for the solenoid. No Kickdown switch and no Bypass switch. Will this work OK? Still haven't been able to finish and test drive completely.

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

yes that will work fine

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

Thanks, just trying to keep it simple. Went for a quick drive yesterday but car was running so crappy it wouldn't hardly pull in OD. Always something!

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

Mine is set up the same way as yours but not functioning.
Can you recommend testing steps to determine if relay, solenoid or governor is at fault?

Re: Borg-Warner OD Wiring
 

The attached might help.

http://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-conte...r-Apr-2005.pdf

Tom Endy