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MG MGB Technical - MGB Overdrive repair shop, California

Hi- I have 2 Blue Label OD for the mgb roadsters and really need them checked out before they go in. Anybody know a private party or shop that can do a test and fix on the OD? In the SF/Sac area or Northern Clifornia??? Thanks in advance. Vic
vem myers

Anybody?

I'll take wild guesses................................................................................................Thx, Vic


vem myers

Vic-Triumph guy again. Since you aren't swamped with replies, here is a possibility. It is not that difficult to built a test fixture for the trans.&od. A pressure gauge ($25) old 1/2 hp motor, a couple of pulleys,fan belt and some scrap wood is all that is required. The picture is a TR6 trans. with A type OD
Berry Price


BTP Price

I remember reading someone just using a good, stout 1/2" drill on the input shaft to spin the gearbox so you could go through the gears and switch the O/D in and out. Here's how they did it:-

"You can check it on the bench to see if it works. Connect a heavy duty drill to the input shaft. I used a piece of heater hose to connect the drill bit to the input shaft, along with a couple of clamps on each end. Turn the shaft clockwise, and connect a timing light to a running car. Have someone connect 12 volts to the solenoid, and with the light flashing on the driveshaft flange, you can see a change with 12 volts applied and removed. The holes for the driveshaft bolts seem to change position. It is nice to see if it works before you install it. You do need someone to help too."
Derek Nicholson

Vern,
You might want to try Lawrie Alexander in Cameron Park, CA which is on Hwy 50 just east of Sacramento. He installed an OD in my '65 MGB a few years back after he rebuilt it. You should be able to contact him thru his website which is www.britcars.com

Good luck - Dennis
D L Rainey

Although driving the input shaft with a drill motor would have been a lot easier, I went the other route because I wanted to run the trans for at least an hour to check for leaks and pressure. One advantage of the motor vs drill it is quite enough that you can hear the shift in and out of od. One thing a test stand won't tell is how much lining remains on the clutch.
Berry Price
BTP Price

There is a guy local to me just north of LA who rebuilds them, but I don't know if he bench tests. I can find his info if it helps you.

I'm not sure I'd go through the trouble of installing an overdrive transmission of unknown history. It's a hell of a lot of work to remedy if they don't last long.
Steve Simmons

Steve- Your last sentence sums up my feelings. Thankyou and please yes, can you get me a phone or URL or name for your LA guy? Again, thanx. Vic PS- I use a HoleHawg ( Milwakkee 1/2 plumber's drill) for the test on OD's, and the hose piece and hose clamps for the connex between the chuck and the input shaft. Works fine, tells you if the solonoid is pushing the 1/4 ball bearing into the seat. Does not tell you condition and prognosis of the assembly. Vic
vem myers

I'll find his info and email it to you. I've never used him personally, but I've been told he rebuilds them.
Steve Simmons

From my experience I would install it and see what you have first (unless you can see an obvious problem). If a shop says it needs rebuilding you may end up spending more than buying a guaranteed rebuilt unit, and you may have to pull it again after the shop makes a mistake. That was my experience. Put clean 30w in and change it soon, maybe twice. Good luck!
Matt
M. H. Dabney

This thread was discussed between 03/08/2007 and 09/08/2007

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