Re: [AMC-List] my 62 classic custom project (OD solenoid, governor,wiring)

[<francis.swygert@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dave, just remember that it doesn't matter what year or make the
governor and solenoid come from. All BW R-10 OD parts interchange, and
all the OD units were made by BW from the 30s through the 60s. When you
find them, let me know and I'll tell you what to look for before
installing. Just a couple minor things to do before trying to connect
the OD unit. 

You need one other thing too -- the kick-down switch. Doesn't matter
what year or model Rambler it comes from, but I'm not sure if other
makes are the same. What you're looking for is a four pole "snap"
switch. I'm not sure that's the technical term. What the switch does is
keep two of the poles connected, passing power to the solenoid. When you
press the switch (it's usually on the throttle linkage on the engine) it
connects the other two poles momentarily then "snaps" back open, again
closing the original two. Let it up and it resets. The second set of
poles short out the ignition just for the fraction of a second it takes
the switch to "snap" back. As John Elle mentioned, it simulates pushing
in the clutch when the OD downshifts, taking the load off the trans.
Without this, or using the clutch (which would be a pain), the OD won't
last long. There's to much load when the OD engages and disengages if
power is being transmitted from the engine. You should be able to
duplicate this with relays and one or two momentary switches.... I
think. Someone more versed in electronics could figure it out once they
know what needs to be done (hit one switch that activates a relay that
breaks power to solenoid and shorts ignition, as soon as ignition shorts
another relay breaks power to the first relay... something like that,
but you have to make allowance for the first switch staying pressed in a
passing situation... that's what has me stumped -- maybe an electronic
timer switch would be a better solution?).

It won't matter if you get a single or double terminal governor. You
just ground the second terminal on the governor if you wire it as a
single terminal type. I believe the 62 uses the single terminal and
later ones (63+) use double. You may or may not use a relay -- I would
since the solenoid draws at least 20 amps when pulling in (probably more
like a 25-30A momentary surge), 5-10 holding. If you have a separate
fuse specifically for the solenoid a relay isn't required. That's why
the 63-64 American doesn't use a relay but the 63-64 Classic does (see
wiring diagrams in Tech section, http://www.amccf.com/main.html). An
easier to read wiring diagram is at
http://www.mattsoldcars.com/techinfo/images/66od.gif. Use a relay
connected to the switch for power so the full juice of the solenoid
doesn't go through the switch. I couldn't find a diagram with a single
terminal governor. You can convert a single to a double with just a
little easy surgery if necessary though. 

Here's the link to an OD manual on-line. It's from the 50s, and uses the
single terminal governor --
http://www.tocmp.com/manuals/trans/Borg-Warner%20Overdrive/index.htm.
Wiring diagram is on page 11. AMC never used the "shift rail lock-out
switch", which interrupted power if the system was locked out. Instead
of connecting to the distributor, AMCs connect directly to the negative
side of the coil. Ignore the ignition solenoid, switch, and gauge
cluster. The OD relay gets connected straight to the battery. No fuse is
used in this diagram, but a 20A fuse is recommended (that will take a
momentary 20-30A surge), or a fusible link. Note that the wire is pretty
heavy in the diagram, but note the 6V battery. A 6V system would require
twice the amperage of a 12V system (up to 60A surge!). 

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