Overdrive fuse

JasonNC
JasonNC Expert Adviser
edited October 2012 in HUDSON
I put an inline fuse on the line going from the power source to overdrive solenoid. It was no problem at first, but when I put some miles on the car recently, the overdrive quit working and now the fuse blows as soon as power is put to it. I assume I have a short somewhere and I guess I'm asking where is the most likely place to look.

Comments

  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Jason, what model car are we looking at? There was originally a fuse on the relay base of the units used from '50 onwards. Obviously you need to look at the wire the other side of the fuse from the power source, to see if there is any fraying or exposed connections. If not your solenoid must be faulty.
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    Thanks, Geoff
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    Make a quick check to see if the solenoid's the problem: disconnect the wires from the solenoid and try it. If the fuse doesn't blow with the wires disconnected, the solenoid is the likely cause.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I would suspect wires with bare spots someplace as a likely source. There is several places under the car where the wires are supported by metal straps,
    Roger
  • Richard E.
    Richard E. Senior Contributor
    I had this problem on my trip this summer in my '50C6 sd, first the kickdown switch stopped working and after awhile the fuse on the relay on the dash would blow as soon as the OD tried to engage. It was the solenoid. I had a spare in the trunk and as soon as I installed the new one, everything worked fine. I think that you need a new solenoid.
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    Okay Park and Richard, you seem to be the lucky winners. Query: Some guys say that they have been using the six volt solenoid on their 12 volt conversion without any problems. Other say that the solenoid will burn up shortly after the 12 volts have been applied. If you guys are right and it is the solenoid, anyone know where you get get a 12 volt solenoid that's not going to cost $289.00 plus shipping?
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    edited October 2012
    Well, I'd check to see if it's the solenoid before opening the checkbook for a new one. Although I don't recommend it, a lot of folks have run their 6v solenoid on 12v for a long time.

    Refresh my memory ... what year is the car? If pre 1950, is the OD wired as original, or like the '50 and later ones?
  • Fred
    Fred Expert Adviser
    I've been running my 48 Comm. 8 with 12 V through a 6 V solenoid for at least 12 years without a problem.
    Fred
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    It's a 48 Commodore Six that has an overdrive from a 48 Super Eight. I have a pre-50 solenoid that has four posts on it, 3, 4, 6 & 7. I also have a post 50 solenoid that has only two posts, 4 & 6. I have tried using both by using a modern relay based on the wiring diagram that Park gave me. On the 48 solenoid, I connected posts 3 &4 per Park's instruction. I couldn't tell by driving it if either solenoid worked using the relay. I gave up on the relay and just straight wired (if I may use that term) the post 50 solenoid by using a toggle switch. It worked extremely well for a short time, but now I have the fuse blowing problem.
  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    Might be a stupid question... but what size fuse are you useing?
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    Not as stupid as my answer. I asked the guy for a 20 amp fuse and he gave me what I had in my hand. It's awful puny looking to be used for what I am using it for. BTW, I found a salvage yard nearby that has a Ford tranny with overdrive, but he doesn't know what year it came out of. Is there a way to distinguish whether the solenoid is 12 or 6 volts by the markings on the transmission?
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    edited October 2012
    The tranny doesn't care what voltage its controls are using, so not likely to have any such markings. But the tranny housing casting date would tell you the year it was made. '56 or later would be 12v
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    Thanks, Park. That tranny was so dirty and the solenoid didn't look anything like what I'm used to so I just figured it had to have been a six volt job. The problem worked itself out by installing a 25 amp fuse and the relay, solenoid and kickdown switch are now working like they should and it only cost me $1.81 for a pack of fuses. Thanks SuperDave for asking your stupid question because it was the answer this dummy needed.
  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    The lower the voltage, the more amperage you need to do the same job, OMS law... Glad to help.. ..Been there done that..
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    I spoke too soon. I have an indicator light that lets me know when the OD is working. Went around a curve a little fast just now and the light went out, as did the overdrive. I must have a short in the wire that goes from the relay to the solenoid because that maneuver has cost me two of those 25 amp fuses I was bragging about.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Sounds like a bare wire someplace
    Roger
  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    yup
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