Is it OK to drive in overdrive, all the time. I live in a flat area in CA and the people drive fast.
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Just leave it on. It will shift down when you slow below 25 MPH, as I remember.The only difference between death and taxes is that death does not grow worse every time Congress convenes. - Will Rogers -
It's OK to do that and it will just freewheel when it drops out of overdrive. In other words, no engine braking while it's freewheeling.
BTW, this would be a bad idea when going downhill or in a large city with a lot of stop and go traffic.Last edited by TWChamp; 12-19-2017, 04:08 PM.Comment
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The Good News is; if you get in a possibly somewhat dangerous situation approaching a Hill or Mountain in Overdrive, it is simple without ANY Damage to the Unit to just Floor it, do not release all the way until, you pull out the O.D. Handle and presto, you are back in Direct with plenty of Deceleration for when you crest the grade!
StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967Comment
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Yes, for sure. FWIW, I've driven every Stude I've ever owned in overdrive 99.9% of the time.
jack vinesPackardV8Comment
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Just a warning - if you ever have to jump your Studebaker or try to push start it..... turn the OD off. It will keep the engine from starting.... Ask me how I found out....The only difference between death and taxes is that death does not grow worse every time Congress convenes. - Will RogersComment
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I leave my Champ in overdrive all the time.Joe Roberts
'61 R1 Champ
'65 Cruiser
Eastern North Carolina ChapterComment
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In most, except pure stop & go traffic, ....... 2nd gear "IN" OD is pretty good for the left leg....FWIW... I always make sure I operate the OD cable (and any other conduit type cable) each time I get in the truck...... amazing how fast 60 year old cables get stuck (see thread on stripped OD handle)Comment
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Originally posted by PackardV8 View PostAmusing discussion.Originally posted by JRoberts View Post
Before I had a vehicle with an "overdrive" transmission, I was kind of obsessed with the concept. When I finally got one, (over four decades ago), I was almost disappointed.
The reason being, due to me always wanting to "tinker" with stuff...I thought an overdrive would require a lot of "driving involvement" on my part.
However, it turned out to be so simple, that there was no added "skill" I could demonstrate to my friends to impress them. Don't get me wrong...I love the contraptions, but in my youthful ignorance, I expected more excitement!
Now, I sort of compare the concept of "overdrive" to the "AUTONOMIC" functions of our biological bodies, such as breathing, blinking, and the beating of our hearts. Something we become accustomed to (take for granted?), and find easy to ignore until something goes wrong.
Properly maintained, overdrives are very durable, rarely give trouble, and work as designed. I love mine and appreciate the benefits of having them.
John Clary
Greer, SC
SDC member since 1975Comment
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That's a good idea.Originally posted by jackb View Post
I also put oil along the whole length of the cables every once in a while.Comment
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Just add a floor shift with a kickdown button on the knob. When I'm in the mood, there are six forward gears.I thought an overdrive would require a lot of "driving involvement" on my part.
jack vinesPackardV8Comment
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Actually just add a simple off-on switch to the governor and you can lock it in overdrive at any speed.Comment
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Does anyone have a Clue what Chris is talking about here?Originally posted by Chris Pile View Post
If jump starting the Car with another Battery and Cables, the Overdrive is not electrically engaged when parked, so could not make ANY difference unless something is wired wrong.
cadill (Frank): I see we forgot to mention to NEVER Park the Car in Neutral (of course) or ANY Gear except REVERSE!
If the Parking Brake is not strong enough to hold or not applied, the Car CAN roll away if not in Reverse!Last edited by StudeRich; 12-20-2017, 10:36 AM.StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967Comment
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I would say he is trying to tell anyone that has not manually disengaged the OD via the pull out cable. That they will not be able to push start the car, it will FREE WHEEL. That is what I make of it, then again I may be totally wrong.Comment
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You understand English, Rich? Disengage the OD (pull out the knob) before jumping or push starting, or it won't start. Simple.Does anyone have a Clue what Chris is talking about here?The only difference between death and taxes is that death does not grow worse every time Congress convenes. - Will RogersComment
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