J type overdrive problem

[hypoid53]

I have just had my GT6 MoT'd and am now able to drive it after a 5 year re-build.
I fitted a brand new J type overdrive to a 3 rail box but on the road there is no engagement.
I have checked the electrics and all is working, including the new solenoid which clicks away merrily.The oil is new EP80/90 and to the correct level. Hydraulics seem to be the next to look at.
At this stage I do not want to start removing the box or even stripping out the interior(even though this is looking very likely!)
Any suggestions where I investigate next, preferably with the box still in the car?
On a D type GT6 I once had a similar problem but it resolved itself ( probably a sticking cone clutch or maybe a relief valve stuck open, who knows).
Triumphs..Don't you just love 'em!

[Doug Paterson]

Stupid question to get out of the way first - when you fitted the OD onto the box had you fitted the cam to the output shaft which drives the oil pump?  

Apparently ..... easy to forget.  

Also have a read of http://www.buckeyetriumphs.org/technical/jod/JOD1/JOD1.htm

EDIT :- I got a re-con Solenoid once which whilst on the face of it working OK simply would not operate the overdrive at all.  Might be worth trying another - they're not pennies of course but a decent second hand one maybe.

ALSO - I've had an OD misbehave when the casing of the solenoid was loose (one of the little roll pins was missing)  

Tightening the solenoid on the car is a pig of a job by the way.  A long tap and a hammer works but isn't ideal.

[GT6 M]

If the circlips on the thrust rings have come oot, then it wont work, [ the bit with the 4 long studs, to hold the cross bars in place,]
the movement  becomes  too much to let the od in

this happened to me, when I got a re faced cone clutch back, they had no put the clips in right, and it come out, so the thing would no work,

not saying its this, but I checked every thing,  AND  it worked on the bench first,

Marcus

[hypoid53]

Thanks for the replies Doug and Marcus.
The Buckeye information is very comprehensive (better than the workshop manual in fact) so I will check the solenoid current first, 2 amp, and then investigate the residual pressure. All these can be done beneath the car so I will have to find a suitable gauge and adaptor!
Incidentally I purchased the unit as a clearance from Moss, but as it was 3 years ago I have little comeback after all this time. J types are essentialy simple, robust units so I am hoping it is a fairly basic problem once diagnosed.
If all else fails I have the D type ready to go back in.....but that will be a lot of dismantling I am loath to do so soon after the rebuild.

[Velocita Rosso]

............but taking these cars to pieces , all the time, is what its all about(most of the time because you have to ) :)

[hypoid53]

;D Yes Velocita, you are stating a universal Triumph fact. In truth I do enjoy dismantling and reassembly...its just getting started I have trouble with. After a very careful rebuild I never cease to be amazed how often something needs attention. I get through an awful lot of gaskets! :-/