The Ford Barn

jackson · 08-31-2022, 12:37 PM

Thought my problems were behind me.... Overdrive worked fine for a few months since my last thread. However now it works when cold, starting out from home in the morning, but after warming up - two-three miles and maybe five or six stops later it won't kick into overdrive. Even after sitting for a couple hours, it won't go into overdrive.

So, this week I:

1. Replaced the solenoid with a new unit from VanPelt.
2. Installed a brand new kick-down switch from VanPelt.
3. Traced and continuity-checked every wire.
4. Triple-checked that the wiring complied with VanPelt schematic.
5. Added a ground-strap from frame to solenoid mount bolt.

The relay was new a few years back.... and clicks as it should when testing.

I removed and cleaned the governor six months ago.... yesterday I removed and opened it. Still clean, rotates freely. I spun it up by holding the gear on the shaft end against the wire brush on my bench motor.... the weights (and center contact) suck in as they're supposed to. No way to know at what RPM.

I have tried to kick it into overdrive (by letting off the gas pedal) from 28 to over 50 mph.... but no joy. It simply will not engage overdrive after warming up.

When I got back from a test run today, I felt the solenoid.... it was too hot to hold my hand on the case. Is this normal?

Thanks for any help.

08-31-2022, 12:37 PM	#1
jackson Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 54	Overdrive Issues (again) Thought my problems were behind me.... Overdrive worked fine for a few months since my last thread. However now it works when cold, starting out from home in the morning, but after warming up - two-three miles and maybe five or six stops later it won't kick into overdrive. Even after sitting for a couple hours, it won't go into overdrive. So, this week I: 1. Replaced the solenoid with a new unit from VanPelt. 2. Installed a brand new kick-down switch from VanPelt. 3. Traced and continuity-checked every wire. 4. Triple-checked that the wiring complied with VanPelt schematic. 5. Added a ground-strap from frame to solenoid mount bolt. The relay was new a few years back.... and clicks as it should when testing. I removed and cleaned the governor six months ago.... yesterday I removed and opened it. Still clean, rotates freely. I spun it up by holding the gear on the shaft end against the wire brush on my bench motor.... the weights (and center contact) suck in as they're supposed to. No way to know at what RPM. I have tried to kick it into overdrive (by letting off the gas pedal) from 28 to over 50 mph.... but no joy. It simply will not engage overdrive after warming up. When I got back from a test run today, I felt the solenoid.... it was too hot to hold my hand on the case. Is this normal? Thanks for any help. __________________ 1950 Mercury mild custom. Original flathead, re-built, bored .040 over, Max-1 cam, Offy heads, Edelbrock super duel with Stromberg 48s.