Re: R9 Overdrive Solenoid Spacer direction

Posted by 39SixSedanMan On 2012/8/4 9:09:07

Packard1949,
When you reinsert the solenoid plunger, you'll need to tilt the outer end of the solenoid toward the front of the car such that the ball on the end of the plunger can engage the socket feature of the pawl. ALthough this is possible without energizing the solenoid, it can be very tricky.

I recommend energizing the solenoid to make this easier. However, instead of relying on the normal electrical ground connection of the upper and lower bolts, I use a two foot piece of 10 gauge wire to make a reliable ground and have used this on many solenoid installations. I do this because it is difficult to maintain the ground connection while jostling the solenoid around and therfore difficult to keep the solenoid engaged. There is another reason, but I'll put that at the end of my rambling. The cable I created has an eyelet on each end: one that can attach to one of the two small threaded posts that hold the cap of the solenoid top cap; the other end can be whatever you choose to get a good ground to the car frame. As I wrote, I used a large eyelet to bolt to one of the crossmember bolts, but you could also use a large aligator clip that will carry the necessary current. I suppose you could strip enough wire and find a way to ground it, but I recommend making sure it will not come loose and that it can carry lots-O-current.

Once you've done this and you have the other wires connected (or at least terminals 3 & 4), reach over to the governor (other side of the OD) and disconnect the lead (for cars with electromatic clutch, but sure to disconnect the correct wire). If you then ground this harness lead to any clean exposed metal of the frame, you can engage the OD so long as the OD dash knob is in and all other electrical components are working. You may wish to use an aligator clip or other means to hold this lead securely grounded.

THis process will keep the solenoid engaged, giving you time to insert it and bolt it on with little frustration (make sure the adapter is not 180 degrees off). ALso, I highly recommend this method along with good connections since the solenoid, if quickly engaged and disengaged, has such windings that it can act like an ignition coil and shock you with a voltage high enough to get your attention and bust a few knuckles and perhaps illicit some unwanted vocal outbursts (not that I have ever done that).

Good Luck. Let me know if you have any questions.
Pat