Kaiser Frazer Owners Club Forum

General Category => Willys Forum => Topic started by: Barnum on September 23, 2013, 12:45:17 AM

Title: Overdrive
Post by: Barnum on September 23, 2013, 12:45:17 AM
So the brakes are now working....did the master cylinder in the process....on the test run the car was in overdrive.....free wheeling....but would not engage....it was working fine before I was under there.....any ideas where to look ? I think it is perhaps the wires at the kickdown switch
Title: Re: Overdrive
Post by: Barnum on September 23, 2013, 12:53:17 AM
The test run
Title: Re: Overdrive
Post by: kaiserfrazerlibrary on September 23, 2013, 05:13:35 AM
Go through the checklist in the Mechanics Manual for the car...it could be one of several things.
Title: Re: Overdrive
Post by: joefrazer on September 23, 2013, 02:45:24 PM
Since the OD relay is mounted on the firewall, you should be able to hear it click when engaged and going at least 28 mph. Try that first and if it is engaging, then your troubles are either in the wiring leading away from the kickdown switch or those under the car around the solenoid.

The system needs good clean contacts to work right and all it takes is one loose wire and trouble results.
Title: Re: Overdrive
Post by: Barnum on September 23, 2013, 08:41:13 PM
The relay on the firewall seems ok....so I suspect that I must have brushed something under the car.... Thanks !
Title: Re: Overdrive
Post by: 84RabbitGTI on September 23, 2013, 09:55:36 PM
My fuse didn't look burned through, but had melted enough for the connection to be intermittent.  They're cheap, just get another one to eliminate that as a problem.  The overdrive system is pretty reliable, so the only time you should have trouble is when the Overdrive solenoid is not getting power.  Clean all your connections, of course and check for continuity in your wires.  Did you disturb the cable which engages the OD?  If so, it may still freewheel, but not engage enough to activate the switch at the transmission.
Title: Re: Overdrive
Post by: Barnum on September 24, 2013, 09:51:19 AM
I will double check the cable,,,,,had to undo the cable bracket at the master cylinder....then check wires....thanks!
Title: Re: Overdrive
Post by: Barnum on September 24, 2013, 10:51:37 AM
GTI you were correct ....  I disconnected the cable and reengaged the OD....and it works fine ! Thanks !
Title: Re: Overdrive
Post by: 84RabbitGTI on September 26, 2013, 12:01:21 AM
Glad to be of help.  That's what this forum is for!
Keep 'em on the road.   :)
Title: Re: Overdrive
Post by: Aeroman on September 29, 2013, 10:12:05 PM
What a beautiful 1954 Lark early special. Does it have the flathead 161 or the F-head?
Title: Re: Overdrive
Post by: Barnum on October 01, 2013, 04:41:48 PM
Thanks Aeroman !...it is the 161 F head.