A-Type Overdrive - chattering solenoid

[mikeyb]

Any A-type experts out there?  

The overdrive on the PI stopped working on the last Bedford CC nightrally.  With the help of Michael's 2-poster I had a look today, the relay clicked but the solenoid didn't.

So off it came, it was pretty wet (water) inside - a throwback to going through a flood some time back maybe.

A quick clean-up later and a test directly accross a battery had it clicking in and out nicely.  So back on the car it went and all worked fine for around 20 miles, then it started chattering.  It made no difference if the car was moving or not - when switched in a position that the o/d would engage in, it just chattered badly (even with the engine switched off).

Ideas anyone?

[StagNL]

The first thing that I think of is whether there is a connector in the wiring?  OK, my Stag has the J type but I did have problems with an intermittent starter and OD due to the connector for both (beside clutch bellhousing) was dirty and coming loose.
Second thing I think of is the solenoid itself.  Am I correct in thinking that there is a big current that pulls it in/pushes out and then a small current holds it.  After that happens the big current stops.  My theory here is based on the starter solenoid as I've not yet delved deep into OD solenoids.  If so, maybe the small holding circuit is duff.

Julian

[Richard B]

There's two coils inside, a high powered one to pull the piston in and a low powered one to hold it when activated.

At a guess it's bouncing between the two coils as the secondary is not holding?

This is why the A'Type & D'Type's have a relay, whereas the J'Type solenoid is lower powered.

[mikeyb]

Hmmn. I'll try another solonoid then!

Thanks   :)