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1953 Cranbrook Overdrive


53Brook

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I need some advice. I recently aquired a 1953 Cranbrook with the 218 and 3 speed with overdrive. Rebuilt the brakes, cleaned it up and got it running/driving. The car had been partially converted to 12v before I got it (coil, battery and solenoid) and I have finished the conversion with lights, alternator and reducer for gas gauge and wipers. Everything is working well but my issue is when I connect the relay for the overdrive the solenoid engages when the key is on and the car stays in overdrive unless I turn the key off, remove the fuse in the relay or pull the overdrive disconnect cable. If its engaged I cannot put the car in reverse, and it stays in overdrive even when sitting still. My assumption is that the 6v solenoid is getting too much voltage and won't disengage even though the switches seem to be working as they should. Is there a simple/cheap fix for this or do I need to buck up and buy a 12v solenoid if I want the overdrive to work properly? Thanks in advance for any advice. I have read a few forums but nothing helped yet.

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2 minutes ago, Plymouthy Adams said:

put in a six volt abattery and you going to find the same condition...check your wiring for correct connection and or a shorted switch...stuck contacts...

I did check the switches and they SEEM to be working properly. The speedometer doesnt work as the drive in the back of the gauge broke but I doubt that changes the function of the mechanical speed switch at the trans. When I lifted the car and put it in 2nd gear and let the wheels spin, I get ground from the speed switch at a certain speed. But even without the ground if there is power to the solenoid it stays engaged

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1 minute ago, Plymouthy Adams said:

one more comment...do you have the repair manual for the car detailing the operation and troubleshooting of the OD and the associated wiring schematic.???

I do not but I have quite a bit of experience with wiring. It seems pretty straightforward, but honestly I am guessing. Looks like solenoid gets power from the relay, and ground from the mechanical speed switch on the trans. But if I had a manual with detailed wiring I might be able to find the issue much easier

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2 minutes ago, Plymouthy Adams said:

you need to get the schematics..you also have a relay, a kickdown switch at the carb/linkage...do a search on here even go to the top of the page and see if there is a download for the schematic...

I did have to disconnect the kickdown switch as it was not sending ground to the relay. Right now the relay just has a direct ground. And I will see if I can find a diagram. Thank you

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IMG_1816.JPG.008008288576b41daef7890536286243.JPGyI grew up with overdrives from th late 40's into the early 60's. My last car with an OD was a 60  Rambler American.  I cannot recall an over drive failure ever and we drove them hard in mud, snow, and on every inpmagiable road then known.  So my take is that if a problem exists, as stated above, it is electrical. Get a schmatic (google has a great one) and check it out.

IMG_1420.JPG

Edited by pflaming
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Assuming (I know, I know) it's wired correctly, the only logical explanation is a defective governor is grounding the circuit.  that shifts the solenoid into overdrive even if it is below the governed speed.

 

Of course, a defective, grounded wire before the gov can cause the same.

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7 minutes ago, kencombs said:

Assuming (I know, I know) it's wired correctly, the only logical explanation is a defective governor is grounding the circuit.  that shifts the solenoid into overdrive even if it is below the governed speed.

 

Of course, a defective, grounded wire before the gov can cause the same.

It is very possible there is a short to ground somewhere. Its the original cloth wrapped wiring and a lot of it is disintegrating especially around the engine. Theres a lot of dirt and grease packed around the engine and trans right now, I've been cleaning and resealing everything little by little making sure the fluid levels are good. Once I get the harness cleaned and visible I will know more. When I used my power probe to test the governor switch and overdrive lock out switch they seemed to be working like they should. 

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