1951 Mercury Overdrive

[scooder]

Originally Posted by Tommy Gun

Scooder might be on to something....I started with turning the ignition on and off and nothing happened with the solenoid. A short time later, I would turn the ignition on and off and the solenoid engaged/disengaged with the ignition. Huh?

I checked the relay and all is good. It clicks and has continuity when engaged. All connections looks good.

Now, the solenoid won't engage/disengage with the ignition.

I do notice that the shifter knob and arms move smoother after that solenoid manipulation. Perhaps something was still partially engaged causing the shifting to be less smooth....now it's smooth?

Note: I was just messing with the shifter in the garage while the car's on jacks. I haven't driven it.

This points to it being electrical, which is easier than pulling the trans n stuff.
You need to be all over it with an electric tester to find out why after the short period of time the relay activates the solenoid.
If you're proficient with the tester should be a quick find.
Good luck,
Martin.