FranksVitesse Posted October 24, 2022 Report Share Posted October 24, 2022 I took the vitesse out for a run the other day and the overdrive was working normally.I switched out at one point and when I tried to switch back in again nothing happened. It has always worked fine but suddenly stopped working. I can hear the solenoid click when the switch is operated and I have checked the gearbox oil level which is fine. I would appreciate any ideas as to where to start looking before I go any further in the next few weeks.(Dont want to do anything too drastic yet as I need it for the next month or so) Thanks Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD Posted October 24, 2022 Report Share Posted October 24, 2022 See Canley Classics Technical Archive page: https://www.canleyclassics.com/?archive=the-d-type-overdrive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted October 24, 2022 Report Share Posted October 24, 2022 Is it definately the overdrive solenoid clicking, and not just the relay? Most OD issues are electrical. So my first test is to check the voltage across teh OD solenoid (or a bulb across it, nice and easy to see if it works with the switch etc) And yes, the canleys guide is ideal to have a read through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranksVitesse Posted October 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2022 Thanks for the responces,I will give it a try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul H Posted October 25, 2022 Report Share Posted October 25, 2022 10 hours ago, JohnD said: See Canley Classics Technical Archive page: https://www.canleyclassics.com/?archive=the-d-type-overdrive Excellent article by John Kipping though the last line says there’s no easy way of accessing the lower screw of the overdrive solenoid .Here’s my solution to remove the solenoid in situ by fitting an extended screw Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted October 25, 2022 Report Share Posted October 25, 2022 have you tried hold the gear stick to one side with your hand if the inhibitor needs adjustment this can often identiy a simple fix to adjust the switch braket a bit if this is no help and tunnel is off check with a bulb you do get 12v to the solenoid wire if ok remove the side plate and see if the solenoid is pulling the lever inside no movement ...solenoids can get crudded up and the plunger/armature gets stuck needs remove the sol and clean up there is a setting for the lever assuming the sol is working when 'on' the lever has a 3/16" hole in and a similar hole in the case this is supposed to align use a drill shank as a simple gauge thro the holes any adjustment is turn the nut on the shaft do not remove the end cap stop thats normal wired in place most setting are quite simple to do do you have a column switch or one on the gear lever as wires up the stick do faill very often due to heat and rubbing D types will have a relay that clicks mounted on the bulkhead generally by the battery area , do double check your fuses and the state of the clips on the glass fuse ends normally fed from ignition and depending on who fitted wired may or maynot be linked to a fuse Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranksVitesse Posted October 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2022 Thanks for the info. I removed the gearbox tunnel and removed side plate to the solenoid, solenoid is working, Ive checked the adjustment with a 3/16" pin and all was ok. Is it possible the solenoid could have developed an internal fault and not operating correctly? Just wondering as it suddenly stopped working without any warning or symptoms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted October 26, 2022 Report Share Posted October 26, 2022 intermitent is generally a wiring fault or a failed inhibitor switch they can go a bit green inside one thats a bit more unusual on the top of the OD is a couple of nuts as a capped nut , undo and with care remove the small tube /ball and spring the tube has a very small hole /jet like in tis end this can get blocked with old debris a poke with some fine wire will clean it , refit same way as it came apart this small hole feeds the oil pressure once the sol has pulled the lever , worth a look when all the easy has not proved anything Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranksVitesse Posted November 2, 2022 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2022 Thanks Pete, I checked the valve/jet and made sure it was clear but still no better. I will do some further checks in the next few weeks and update when I hopefully find the fault. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranksVitesse Posted February 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2023 Just an update. I have checked inside the filter housing and have found debris looking a bit like friction material.Not what I was hoping for! Looks like a recon unit will be required. Does anyone know if its possible to remove the overdrive unit on its own or does the gearbox need to come out? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted February 20, 2023 Report Share Posted February 20, 2023 if you lift the rear of the gear box you can slide the OD off the back , its tight but possible refiiting is the biggest snag as the hubs need to be aligned inside and you cant see what is blocking the refit you need two big screwdrivers/levers and you lever the piston plates to open the clutch and it all flies on ,take cae you dont trap a finger and read up about the aligning best run position marks on the 3 planet gears and their housing or you will get some vibration set up . they are not most obviuos with all the oil but need to be aligned carefully Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranksVitesse Posted February 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2023 Thanks Pete, will try just the unit at first just to get it off. From what you say it might be a better idea to take the gearbox off to refit though. Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted February 21, 2023 Report Share Posted February 21, 2023 we did the vit6 on car once Cant remember why its obviously easier with the box off the car you can up end it and drop the OD down pry the plates open and pop it on ( the plate pry is approved and used by many known OD repairers J type is less fussy , you must read up the planet gear markings and on refit get the pump cam on its lowers point for the pump roller to ride over it Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranksVitesse Posted March 3, 2023 Author Report Share Posted March 3, 2023 Me again! The overdrive has gone for reconditioning, the friction material was none existant. I have removed the gearbox to replace the clutch and inside the bell housing has a light covering of a black greasy deposit which I suspect is a mixture of dust from the clutch (just started to polish the rivets) and oil. The cluch plate is not contaminated. My question is this normal over a long period of time or should I be thinking of replacing oil seals in the front of the gearbox and rear of the engine block ? if so is it possible to change the rear engine seal with the engine in situ? Thanks for any advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted March 3, 2023 Report Share Posted March 3, 2023 you can change the crank rear seal but mayneed to remove the back plate the oil seal hsg. is bolted and easy removed to swap out a seal dont need the engine out . depends on age of gearbox as some have ascrroll trower later have a seal the oily depistis are quite normal over the years the gearbox front cover is a light tap fit in the clutch hsg, so can be removed if required if the throwout carrier has worn you can drill and add a split pin to reposition the anti rotation dimple/pins and its worth when refitting the clutch hsg pop thespherical post out and add a washer to space it out a littlefuther to compensate and fork wear Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted March 3, 2023 Report Share Posted March 3, 2023 Found this on another site, can't figure out how to connect it. I'll get my coat. Doug 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johny Posted March 3, 2023 Report Share Posted March 3, 2023 The thing with lip seals is that its not just usage that ages them but also years because the rubber hardens and loses flexibility so promoting leakage. As you have the gearbox out then unless you know they have been done fairly recently I would replace at least both back and front gearbox seals (you'll need a new paper gasket for the bell housing to main case joint). The engine rear seal is more hassle as the flywheel and back plate will have to come off and then you might damage the sump gasket as you remove the seal carrier but, for the same reason as above, it would be nice know it was new😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted March 3, 2023 Report Share Posted March 3, 2023 16 minutes ago, dougbgt6 said: I'll get my coat. does it make your GT6 tune easier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted March 3, 2023 Report Share Posted March 3, 2023 easy to check whats leaking with a finger dip in the residue engine oil is black ep90 smells of cats pee best to use someone elses finger !!!! Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranksVitesse Posted March 3, 2023 Author Report Share Posted March 3, 2023 Thanks for all the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranksVitesse Posted April 6, 2023 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2023 Just an update, I ended up removing the gearbox as well. The overdrive was rebuilt by Overdrive Repair Services in Sheffield (I can thoroughly recommend them) the friction material had totally disintegrated.I replaced the front gearbox bearings and counter shaft whilst I was waiting and also a new 3 piece clutch whilst I was at it.....All working again! Thanks for all the advice it was a big help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted April 6, 2023 Report Share Posted April 6, 2023 Thats good when it all works out to a success pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puglet1 Posted April 6, 2023 Report Share Posted April 6, 2023 Sounds like a good job well done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josef Posted April 6, 2023 Report Share Posted April 6, 2023 8 hours ago, FranksVitesse said: Just an update, I ended up removing the gearbox as well. The overdrive was rebuilt by Overdrive Repair Services in Sheffield (I can thoroughly recommend them) the friction material had totally disintegrated.I replaced the front gearbox bearings and counter shaft whilst I was waiting and also a new 3 piece clutch whilst I was at it.....All working again! Thanks for all the advice it was a big help. I was impressed with them too. Still haven’t got the unit they rebuilt in a car though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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