05-06-2014, 01:17 PM | #1 |
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51 merc od
hey guys need help here. 51 merc 3 spd w od wont shift to od. I can here the click of the solenoid but it wont go into overdrive any help would be greatly appreciated.
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05-06-2014, 01:26 PM | #2 |
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Re: 51 merc od
Does the transmission free-wheel when the OD handle is pushed in?
Are you sure the solenoid is clicking, or is it the relay on the firewall? |
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05-06-2014, 01:53 PM | #3 |
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Re: 51 merc od
yes it is the solenoid clicking I took it off the trans and tried it and the pin did engage so I think that part is good. it is hooked up straight to the solenoid not through relays that the way I bought the car and it worked fine until now.
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05-06-2014, 04:09 PM | #4 |
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Re: 51 merc od
The solenoid has internal switches that allow multiple function depending on the governor switch, rail switch, and kickdown switch positions. All of the functions can be tested if you have a knowledge of how the system works and a good wiring diagram. If you have a later type transmission, it may not have a rail switch since they were deleted after a few years into the Mercury line. The governor switch can give trouble too and not allow it to kick in when the rpm is up to speed.
The dash relay is an on/off function that relates to initial high current flow for the on function of the solenoid and allows the governor switch to only have a small amount of current down to it if I remember correctly. The ignition coil is also in the circuit to allow the ignition to be mommentarily cut durring kick down or it won't function like it should. Last edited by rotorwrench; 05-06-2014 at 04:19 PM. |
05-06-2014, 04:33 PM | #5 |
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Re: 51 merc od
Does the transmission free-wheel when the OD handle is pushed in? If it doesn't free wheel it is not going to go into overdrive.
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05-06-2014, 05:02 PM | #6 | |
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Re: 51 merc od
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Quote:
Martin. |
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05-06-2014, 05:02 PM | #7 |
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Re: 51 merc od
40cpe didn't think about trying to see if it coasts I will do that tomorrow if it is nice out. like I said it worked when I put it away for winter.
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05-06-2014, 05:07 PM | #8 | |
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Re: 51 merc od
Quote:
What is hooked up straight to the solenoid? Do you know how is the overdrive wired? Martin. |
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05-06-2014, 05:27 PM | #9 | |
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Re: 51 merc od
Quote:
Is the car still 6v? The battery needs to be strong to work the solenoid to push the pawl. Just because the solenoid works out of the trans doesn't mean it is working when in place. |
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05-06-2014, 05:30 PM | #10 | |
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Re: 51 merc od
Quote:
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05-06-2014, 06:41 PM | #11 |
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Re: 51 merc od
You have to completely lock it out with the T-handle to prevent the function of the freewheeling clutch.
These systems can be hot wired with just a solenoid switch but there is a list of "don't do" things when it is. I prefer the full automatic function with all the proper parts wired in. I also like to have the safety features that prevent internal destruction of the transmission. |
05-06-2014, 07:59 PM | #12 |
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Re: 51 merc od
be careful here I agree just because it works outside the trans doesn't tell the whole story its pulling power may be weak it takes a lot of pull when doing its job
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05-07-2014, 09:38 AM | #13 | |
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Re: 51 merc od
Quote:
I chased an OD problem for a couple of years. At night my OD wouldn't engage. Turned out (after quite a bit of troubleshooting) to be a combination of my headlights drawing down power and my wiring for the solenoid power was gauged too thin. |
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05-07-2014, 10:19 AM | #14 |
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Re: 51 merc od
its 12volt but I will run through the checks you have discussed. this might take a while
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05-07-2014, 11:42 AM | #15 |
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Re: 51 merc od
Working properly, handle out = no overdrive and no freewheel.
Handle in = overdrive above cut in speed (approx 28mph) and freewheel below cut in speed, NO freewheel above cut in speed. It is a very popular misconception that these freewheel at all speeds in overdrive with the handle in. If they do freewheel above cut in speed, something is wrong, or its been wired or switched differently than it should. Why you would not have it working without all its bits and bobs is beyond me. But some do. Martin. |
05-07-2014, 04:25 PM | #16 |
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Re: 51 merc od
well here is the deal it doesn't freewheel with the handle in,so give me the bad news thanks guys
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05-07-2014, 06:39 PM | #17 |
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Re: 51 merc od
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05-07-2014, 07:34 PM | #18 |
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Re: 51 merc od
mike yeah did that already. thanks
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05-07-2014, 10:50 PM | #19 |
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Re: 51 merc od
Attached is a wiring diagram for your 51 OD. It shows a "kick-down" switch on the accelerator pedal but many installations did not include them. Ford and many others copied the Borg-Warner OD designs. I have a Borg-Warner OD Trouble-Shooting and Repair Manual in *.pdf format but this site won't load it. Send me your email address by PM and I'll send you several manuals i.e rebuilding and operating OD's. Dan
Last edited by Drbrown; 05-07-2014 at 10:56 PM. |
05-08-2014, 02:00 AM | #20 |
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Re: 51 merc od
Could you tell us how yours is wired please, and if it has all its proper bits. Earlier you said that it didn't have relays, and is wired directly to the solenoid. What is wired directly to the solenoid? This info will help us understand what's up with your overdrive.
Thanks, Martin. |
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