Transmission / Overdrive: Overdrive wiring

[StudeNut1960]

Hi,

Hope someone can help me I have a 1960 Lark Conv. , 3 speed column shift with overdrive.

Since I got it I noticed that downgearing into 2nd gear dosen't slow the car down. I figure it must be in overdrive so I pulled out on the handle and no luck still does the same thing. After looking at the cable it seems the cable is not adjusted properly to pull the overdrive arm fully foward. (fixing that after The cable gets a good lubing). I decided to read out the wires so i opened the wiring schematic for the 1960 Lark and my car is wired different.
After researching this issue I found that the car is wired like shown in the 63-64 wiring schematic, IE... 2 wires on the governor and 2 on the solenoid. The governor has the red hot wire from the kickdown and the green wire going to the solenoid. The solenoid had the black ground wire from the kickdown switch and the green from the governor. Im reading good power at the red wire, continunity through the ground from the switch (out side) and continunity through the green wire but the green wire has continunity to ground also do this say the solenoid is bad or better yet do I not have the wrong solenoid and governor?

The Kickdown switch works good but the fuse was blown when I checked it.


Thanks for any advice

Studenut1960

[StudeRich]

Have you tested it with a New Fuse and the O.D. shift lever on the Trans. going all the way back when "IN" O.D. (Handle IN)?
I think it will work fine now.

Some of these wiring diagrams seem wrong with NO (3) wire Solenoid diagram shown.
Then too, your Car may have a newer or older replacement Solenoid.

I am surprised that you never noticed that when reaching 30-35 MPH and releasing the Gas Pedal, there was NO upshift when the O.D. Handle was IN!

[jackb]

advise from an old truck driver: use the brakes to slow down a vehicle...not the clutch ....

[StudeRich]

advise from an old truck driver: use the brakes to slow down a vehicle...not the clutch ....

Really? You don't recommend gearing down with a very heavy load and a good chance of overheating and burning the brakes out from all that stress? I always thought that is one reason why real Trucks have Manual Transmissions to gear down to help stop the huge weight.

[StudeNut1960]

Thanks StudeRich,

I will get the cable reinstalled now that it is well lubed and try it.

Here is a pic of my baby, my mother junked my studebakers when I was in the navy stationed at Whidbey Island for 18 years. I got back and was heart Broken so had to buy another.

I lost a 59 Lark Wagon.
64 Commander Cruiser
66 Daytona
56 Packard
and a 352ci engine from a 56 golden hawk.




Thanks again
Studenut1960

[jackb]

not to get into a peeeeeeing contest...but Rich, from what I've gathered, you've been behind a lot of wheels. I don't claim to be a truck driver, but in reality there are very prudent ways of driving vehicles depending on their weight, speed, gearing and most importantly "usage". Very few folks here are pushing a 2 1/2 ton grain truck around with any real loads more than a mile or 2 if that. The question vehicle was a Lark >>>? No load there at all. No need to slow down with the tranny......friendly comment ???

[StudeRich]

Very Beautiful Convertible Delbert (StudeNut1960), the Light Blue is one you never see.
Does that have a 6?. It sits very high in front like a 6 or a V8 with too Heavy Duty Springs in it.

[JoeHall]

not to get into a peeeeeeing contest...but Rich, from what I've gathered, you've been behind a lot of wheels. I don't claim to be a truck driver, but in reality there are very prudent ways of driving vehicles depending on their weight, speed, gearing and most importantly "usage". Very few folks here are pushing a 2 1/2 ton grain truck around with any real loads more than a mile or 2 if that. The question vehicle was a Lark >>>? No load there at all. No need to slow down with the tranny......friendly comment ???

I am guilty too, of using the gears to slow down. That's a main reason to pull the OD cable out on country roads, I thought. Sheesh, what do I know. Rich it looks like we're gonna need to review our driving habits

[StudeNut1960]

StudeRich,
It's a V8 259 2 barrel, but i do not believe it to be the original engine it is a fully filtered 259. I dont believe they came out until late 62 but I could be wrong. anyway no engine number just a cloverleaf what does that mean. I know no matter what year it is it purrs like a kitten. The blue is the original color (1 repaint in 92) it also has the TT rear end but the tag is missing so I dont know the ratio. The car is a nice 20 footer but has some flaws up close.

Studenut1960

[StudeRich]

The Blank Engine serial Number Pad just means that it is a factory replacement NEW Engine, the cloverleaf was used to I.D. a heavy Duty Short Block Engine, they have HD Tri-Metal Clevite 77 Rod Bearings, and the 3 Center Main Bearings along with a Aluminum Cam Timing Gear.
The Truck Engines had Perfect Circle "Rotocap" Valve Rotators, but I would think a Block destined for a Car would not. Without the Part Number of the Assembly from the crate, it is impossible to tell without looking.

So the mileage on the Car could be a lot more than on the Engine.

Yes, if it is a "Full Flow" Engine with the Filter on the bottom it was made to exactly replace a late '62 to '64 Block, but could be used on any V-8 Car.