failed overdrive
Moderators: scimjim, Lukeyboy46, erikscimitardemon, Roger Pennington, philhoward
failed overdrive
Came off the bypass at 70, but no drive at the roundabout as I took a flyer in o/d third. Coasted for a bit then found seemingly normal drive with o/d engaged. Got home a few more miles without messing with the o/d, and managed to pull away from rest a couple of times. My o/d inhibit only works in reverse, so o/d works on all forward ratios, but I usually remember to disengage o/d for first and second.
Now, no drive in first or reverse with o/d disengaged - from the noise,something obviously slipping in the o/d. My suspicion is that the sprag clutch has failed. Before I begin, has anyone experience of loss of drive in forwards AND reverse? There was no reverse inhibit when I bought the car several years ago, so the o/d may have been damaged by a previous owner I guess.
It looks possible to get the gearbox and o/d off the bell housing (2 rod box and LH o/d) by removing the gearbox cross member. Could someone confirm. I have access to a vehicle lift, so removal from below is my favoured option.
Many thanks.
Now, no drive in first or reverse with o/d disengaged - from the noise,something obviously slipping in the o/d. My suspicion is that the sprag clutch has failed. Before I begin, has anyone experience of loss of drive in forwards AND reverse? There was no reverse inhibit when I bought the car several years ago, so the o/d may have been damaged by a previous owner I guess.
It looks possible to get the gearbox and o/d off the bell housing (2 rod box and LH o/d) by removing the gearbox cross member. Could someone confirm. I have access to a vehicle lift, so removal from below is my favoured option.
Many thanks.
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failed overdrive
It can be removed from the bellhousing on its own although I think you need to support the engine (as its third mounting is the gearbox).
Sounds like the clutch has indeed failed in the OD..
I don't think it will take a lot of abuse in 1st or 2nd (in 1st it usually needs to build up pressure from the pump first) but it doesn't like overdrive in reverse at all. I also had no inhibitor on mine for a while (albeit a J-type, but it's the same principles inside) and forgot to disengage it once or twice when engaging reverse and got a very unhealthy noise when I tried to let the (normal) clutch out until I spotted by tell-tale lamp still on..
Sounds like the clutch has indeed failed in the OD..

Phil Howard
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Scimitarweb Forum Admin
SS1 1600 Rooster Turbo; Sabre Mk1.5, Sabre Mk2
Previous: SE5/5a/SS1 No.1/SS1 Rooster/SS1 1800Ti/SE5a 24 Valve
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Never try and argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you based on experience.
failed overdrive
Thanks Phil. I have a tell tale lamp for the same purpose. Looks like gearbox out tomorrow and a trip to Dave Twigger at Overdrive Services in Rugby- fortunately just down the road.
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failed overdrive
Thanks for the photo. Quite straightforward and out this morning. BTW, drained weight of gearbox and o/d is 45Kg. It looks as if the bell housing will come off for clutch inspection - anyone say no?
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failed overdrive
If its a two rail box then the GB comes off easily then as you say you can take the bell housing off the look at/change the clutch - did mine a couple of years ago - six bolts hold the GB on to the bell housing.
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failed overdrive
I am nearly ready to take the engine out of our Coupe - I am almost certain the flywheel needs a new starter ring even though it looks ok through the starter hole. Three different starters have failed to turn the engine - very frustrating.
failed overdrive
Bell housing off and clutch checked - like new, so a bonus. Two points of interest. A hardened thick washer between the clutch fork and its pivot post on the bell housing, and no external return spring for the clutch fork. The latter seems a strange omission, but there is no hole to hook a spring in place.
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failed overdrive
Mine is the same. Ford had a spring on the Cortina , but Reliant didn't on the Scimitar. I don't know why.
"When I grow up, I want to be me"
-Kermit Weeks
Current: SE6A; 998 Mini.Previous: Morris Minor,Ford8, Cortinas Mk1 &2,MG Midget 1932,Morgan 3W 1934,Lagonda Rapier,Honda S800, Austin Maxi,Citroen GSA, Riley ElfMk2,Peugeot 505,Rover 420 SDI
-Kermit Weeks
Current: SE6A; 998 Mini.Previous: Morris Minor,Ford8, Cortinas Mk1 &2,MG Midget 1932,Morgan 3W 1934,Lagonda Rapier,Honda S800, Austin Maxi,Citroen GSA, Riley ElfMk2,Peugeot 505,Rover 420 SDI
failed overdrive
Just to close this off, turned out that the outer ring of the one way clutch was spinning in the casing - hence no drive. New oversize ring fitted as part of a full rebuild, so all will now be well.