Re: [AMC-list] Gremlin with Overdrive Question

[Glen Hoag <hoag@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm a little late to this discussion, but I actually have one of 
these setups and some first-hand experience.  In the Pacer, the OD 
took a special mount and crossmember.  The mount for the non-OD 
manual transmission attaches to the tailshaft, while the OD version 
mounts to the OD unit itself.  You might find a suitable mount by 
searching Volvo applications (1975-86 240 and 260), as they also used 
Laycock-de Normanville J-type OD units.  I believe that the 
Hornet/Gremlin (01/40) transmission crossmember was also unique to 
the OD application, but I'd have to check the parts 
catalog.  Somewhere along the line, I misplaced page 2 (Group 1) of 
my 73/78 parts catalog on microfiche; the rear crossmember is in 
Group 1.010 and the transmission mount (engine rear support cushion) 
is 1.013.  Perhaps someone has a parts catalog handy and can confirm 
whether different mounts and crossmembers were used on the 01/40 cars.

The third gear switch is one of those ball type switches that screws 
into a hole in the transmission, like the reverse gear switch, and is 
actuated by the second-third shift rail.  It's different from the 
reverse switch, which has one side is internally tied to ground, 
while the third gear switch has two terminals.  It is a fairly 
standard switch type, but you probably won't find it by application; 
the switch manufacturers seem to have forgotten about this 
usage.  Part of the reason for this switch is to prevent engaging the 
OD while in reverse gear.  Doing so will result in catastrophic 
damage to the unit.  Some British applications allowed the OD to be 
engaged in any forward gear except first.

More important than the third gear lockout is the WOT kickdown 
switch.  This is a normally closed pushbutton that is mounted on a 
bracket on one of the carburetor mounting bolts.  This switch is 
actuated by the throttle linkage at WOT.  It's purpose is to 
disengage the OD when you call for maximum acceleration.

--Glen



At 04:19 PM 2/11/2011, you wrote:
> The OD doesn't take a special mount, but the crossmember does need 
> to go back a bit more. Shouldn't be hard to reposition.
>
> The cut-out switch is just a heavy duty normally closed momentary 
> switch. The solenoid valve is just a small solenoid, shouldn't draw 
> more than 10A pulling in (maybe as little as 5A) and 2-3A tops to 
> hold. It's not like the big solenoid that activates the old 
> Borg-Warner OD units, the Laycock-DeNormanville unit you have is 
> hydraulic. The solenoid just moves a valve. Even most RS stores 
> still carry momentary switches. A 2A rating at 125V or so should be 
> more than sufficient. 10A at 12V is still only 120 watts, 2A @ 125V 
> is 250 watts. You don't need the third gear switch. Just don't turn 
> OD on unless in third gear. If you want one, it's a normally open 
> momentary switch on a bracket so that the third gear shift arm 
> depresses the switch when in third gear. It's mounted in the 
> transmission, screws in at the front left side. You could mount a 
> momentary switch on the column or outside so the shift lever hits it.
>
> The cut-out switch was usually mounted on the throttle linkage so it 
> would be depressed at wide open throttle. Mount it like the 
> Borg-Warner auto kick-down switch -- which would be a good switch to 
> use. I haven't messed with the L-D unit, but have done a lot with 
> the BW units. Wiring is harder on the BWs because the solenoid draws 
> more power.
>
> ------------------
> Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:02:14 -0800 (PST)
> From: Joe Fulton<piper_pa20@xxxxxxxxxxx>
>
> I asked this same question on the AMC forum so pardon the repeat if 
> you monitor
> both sites.? I'd appreciate any information folks can offer though.
>
> I? am a few weeks away from installing this but I thought I would ask the
> question.?? I have an NOS 150T three speed tranny with OD.?? My 
> Gremlin (76) had
> a T-14 in it.? I both?trannies but?I have not measured or compared 
> the locations
> for the?tranny crossbrace and mount?and I'm wondering if the OD 
> actually takes a
> special mount.? I'll check Rockauto listings tonight, but thought I'd ask the
> question.?
>
>
> Another issue.? I have an NOS overdrive switch with turn signal 
> stalk.?? What I
> don't have is the wiring harness for the overdrive.?? I can 
> fabricate a harness
> from the wiring diagram in the TSM but I'm concerned about the 
> cutout switch on
> the throttle linkage.? What did AMC use there??? What is a good generic switch
> to use?
>
> Has anyone done this or does anyone have an 70s AMC with overdrive they can
> photograph?
>
> Joe Fulton
>
> --
> Frank Swygert
> Publisher, "American Motors Cars"
> Magazine (AMC)
> For all AMC enthusiasts
> http://www.amc-mag.com
> (free download available!)
>
>
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