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Q & A: MGB Overdrive

After 29 years of MGB (1973 MGB) ownership, I have finally got around to
tracking down an overdrive gearbox, which I brought home in the fall. It
currently sits in my basement (where it is warm), while I check it over.
I
have taken apart and inspected and changed the o-rings in the overdrive
pump, relief valve and solenoid. I have cleaned and checked the "reverse"
and the " 3rd and 4th gear lock out" switches as per your excellent
youtube
video, and get a good strong light from the test light. Is there a way to
check the functioning of the solenoid itself? I can put some current to
it
through the above-mentioned switch, but am unable to tell if it is working
because it really is sealed up inside the overdrive.

Also, the overdrive gearbox is of an earlier vintage ('68 - '70 is
suspect)
and does not have the 3rd switch (on the right side of the control tower)
you speak about on the video for the seatbelt warning system. Should I
swap
the "control tower" from my existing gearbox and put it on the overdrive
unit to keep this switch enabled or leave the overdrive gearbox as it is,
and forget about the switch?

I plan to follow the engine removal instructions as outlined in my Bentley
Manual, unless you have a different set of instructions that would make
the
job easier or safer. I've heard a lot of opinions regarding whether or
not
to remove the engine separately first, then the gearbox, or whether to
remove them both together and separate them when they are on the floor.
Do
you have an opinion in this situation?

It's not possible to test the whole OD unless you can spin the first
motion shaft. Most hand held drills do not have a chuck that will fit the
shaft (0.800) nor the power to spin it quickly. Fortunately, most of the
boxes... read more