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Q & A: stuck overdrive

John , I'm sure you've heard this one before but I couldn't find any similar case in your on line archive .
I recently installed a rebuilt o/d trans ( supplied by another shop ) in a late MGB . It goes into o/d perfectly but won't come out . After checking all obvious hydralic components , I determined it was a mechanical problem . If I strike the brake ring with a mallet it drops into direct drive . If I go into first gear and bounce on the gas pedal it drops into direct drive .
I promptly removed the engine/trans for exploratory surgery . The clutch ( sliding member ) was suspect , so I replaced it . I also measured the free lenth of the springs . The ( shorter ) release springs were within spec . The ( longer ) engagement springs measured about .050" short . I added a .015" shim under each . I was going to check the pressure on my valve spring checker but assumed the 150 lbs. the factory manual called for was bogus .
Needless to say , after re-assembly I still have the same problem .
Any suggestions would be appreciated . Thanks , Alan

Alan!

We've had some overdrives in the past that were very sluggish. In one case, we kept reducing the viscosity of the oil -- I think we ended up with 10-40, something like that, and it would come out of overdrive.
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