The Ford Barn

IndianapolisRacer · 04-15-2018, 05:45 PM

I was cruising along Rt50 at about 2500 rpm when my Columbia overdrive shifted down on its own resulting in sudden drop in speed and a RPM increase to 3000 rpm plus a smell of burning clutch . Now when I release the clutch in first gear there is a momentary pause then a slight clunk as the car pulls away . I have removed engine and clutch and throwout bearing appear undamaged . The only thing I can find is a slight deformation of front engine mounting holes on front engine mounts to a slightly oval shape on the right side . The engine is an 8BA and the trans is a 1939 with Columbia rear . Trans shifts well in all gears so I am installing anti chatter adaptors on the front mounts thinking engine might be shifting forward slightly on initial 1st gear pull away , don't know what else to check !

Brian · 04-15-2018, 08:30 PM

I'm thinking the 'clunk' could be either universal joint or the driveshaft to pinion coupler.
What caused the Columbia to drop out?

Ken/Alabama · 04-15-2018, 09:05 PM

Which valve are you using to shift the Columbia? If it's the 46-48 style with the electric solenoids on it the rubber seals inside probably need replacing. Rebuild kits are available for them.

KGS · 04-16-2018, 07:23 AM

Did you check to make sure that the Columbia
actually shifted? Maybe a failure in the clutch linkage
caused the clutch to release slightly causing the increase
in RPM and decrease in speed.
Ken

G.M. · 04-16-2018, 07:32 AM

Sounds like the leather cups in the Columbia are dry. Squirt
a load of MMO in both pipes on top of the cylinder and shift
by hand until the leather gets wet. Or you have a hose leak.
G.M.

KGS · 04-25-2018, 02:37 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Mike, What , if anything did you find?
Ken

IndianapolisRacer · 04-25-2018, 09:34 PM

The clunk is an issue with throw out bearing and the clutch linkage adjustment , when the car downshifted it apparently altered the distance the throwout bearing traveled , had to remove engine so it was a good time to install the Hudson steering box . That is done and I think I am going to like it , reinstalled engine tonight working my way to rear end , want to get it running again check why Columbia downshifted . Saw that black 34 three window John Dillon sold a few years back that car is simply STUNNING !

IndianapolisRacer · 04-25-2018, 09:35 PM

Thanks I 'll check that

IndianapolisRacer · 04-25-2018, 09:36 PM

Check my last comment , thank you .

04-15-2018, 05:45 PM	#1
IndianapolisRacer Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Olney , Illinois Posts: 222	Columbia overdrive issue I was cruising along Rt50 at about 2500 rpm when my Columbia overdrive shifted down on its own resulting in sudden drop in speed and a RPM increase to 3000 rpm plus a smell of burning clutch . Now when I release the clutch in first gear there is a momentary pause then a slight clunk as the car pulls away . I have removed engine and clutch and throwout bearing appear undamaged . The only thing I can find is a slight deformation of front engine mounting holes on front engine mounts to a slightly oval shape on the right side . The engine is an 8BA and the trans is a 1939 with Columbia rear . Trans shifts well in all gears so I am installing anti chatter adaptors on the front mounts thinking engine might be shifting forward slightly on initial 1st gear pull away , don't know what else to check !

04-15-2018, 08:30 PM	#2
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,832	Re: Columbia overdrive issue I'm thinking the 'clunk' could be either universal joint or the driveshaft to pinion coupler. What caused the Columbia to drop out? __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit!

04-15-2018, 09:05 PM	#3
Ken/Alabama Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,258	Re: Columbia overdrive issue Which valve are you using to shift the Columbia? If it's the 46-48 style with the electric solenoids on it the rubber seals inside probably need replacing. Rebuild kits are available for them.

04-16-2018, 07:23 AM	#4
KGS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Schooley's Mountain Posts: 530	Re: Columbia overdrive issue Did you check to make sure that the Columbia actually shifted? Maybe a failure in the clutch linkage caused the clutch to release slightly causing the increase in RPM and decrease in speed. Ken

04-16-2018, 07:32 AM	#5
G.M. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida and Penna. Posts: 4,471	Re: Columbia overdrive issue Sounds like the leather cups in the Columbia are dry. Squirt a load of MMO in both pipes on top of the cylinder and shift by hand until the leather gets wet. Or you have a hose leak. G.M. __________________ www.fordcollector.com

04-25-2018, 02:37 PM	#6
KGS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Schooley's Mountain Posts: 530	Re: Columbia overdrive issue Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Mike, What , if anything did you find? Ken

04-25-2018, 09:34 PM	#7
IndianapolisRacer Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Olney , Illinois Posts: 222	Re: Columbia overdrive issue The clunk is an issue with throw out bearing and the clutch linkage adjustment , when the car downshifted it apparently altered the distance the throwout bearing traveled , had to remove engine so it was a good time to install the Hudson steering box . That is done and I think I am going to like it , reinstalled engine tonight working my way to rear end , want to get it running again check why Columbia downshifted . Saw that black 34 three window John Dillon sold a few years back that car is simply STUNNING !

04-25-2018, 09:35 PM	#8
IndianapolisRacer Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Olney , Illinois Posts: 222	Re: Columbia overdrive issue Thanks I 'll check that

04-25-2018, 09:36 PM	#9
IndianapolisRacer Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Olney , Illinois Posts: 222	Re: Columbia overdrive issue Check my last comment , thank you .