Overdrive solenoid touching crossmember

[andrewc]

I have converted my auto Stag to manual with a J-type overdrive. I haven't got it on the road yet but noticed that the solenoid is touching or nearly touching the gearbox crossmember. The dealer (Rim____) I bought the box from supplied a new gearbox crossmember and everything else looks to be correct except the solenoid proximity to the crossmember. I see that they dont have a photo of the one for a J-type on their website although they do have them for sale. I bought all the bits from them about 10 years ago so it is too late to take it up with them. It looks as though taking it off and doing a little work with a grinder would sort it but I would appreciate any info or photos anyone might have to help me decide what is the best course of action.

[sujitroy]

I have a cross member for a j type. it is not symmetrical. I have not fitted it but could it be fitted the wrong way.

[new to this]

A J- Crossmember is deeper than an auto one,are you sure you have the right one

Dave

[andrewc]

Thanks for the replies.
I have checked back with the original invoice and it is shown as a J-type crossmember p. no. 218440 and it fits perfectly in every other respect. It does have an offset so is not symmetrical but would not fit the other way around. I have attached another photo which shows the crossmember better but not the solenoid proximity.

[sujitroy]

Looking the first photo in your first posting. the curve of the bracket around the solenoid doesn't look right. It looks too flat. The one you have looks like one for a non od / auto bracket. I have a bracket at home and can take a photo.The curved part on the J Type is deeper.

[sujitroy]

Here's a photo of my my J type bracket.
Sujit

[dasadrew]

maybe this helps...
DSC01009 - zoom.JPG

[andrewc]

Thaks for the photos. Mine looks remarkably similar but the solenoid is just that little bit closer to the crossmember. It is virtually touching and I am sure will hit when driving. I don't remember it being that close when I fitted it so I guess it has moved that small amount as the mounts have sagged a little. My rear rubber mounts look to be sitting straight, I have not checked the engine mounts to see if they are in their centre position but will do so tomorrow. If all else fails I think it will have to come off and be "eased" a little with a grinder but before I do that is it possible to confirm that the top bracket is symmetrical as if it is not that could push the gearbox backwards or forwards a touch. Also the length of the solenoid body from where it contacts the gearbox to the end with the terminals would be appreciated (just to check i don't have an odd solenoid).

[dasadrew]

Just wondering as the J Type was fitted to a multitude of vehicles I guess, whether there are different solenoids knocking about with slightly different lengths?

[sujitroy]

the bracket is not symmetrical.

[andrewc]

sujitroy I am aware that the crossmember is not symetrical and offset rearwards to cope with the extra length of the overdrive. Are you referring to the (lower) crossmember or the Upper) bracket. Are you saying that the plate part of the top bracket which bolts onto the overdrive is not central with the fixing holes for the rubber mounts?

[trunt]

I just got mine out and looked at it. the top bracket is a bit weird in that the squares that the bobbins bolt to are not welded on exactly square with the support but it is not assymetrical as far as the hole/support alignment goes.

Looking at your pic and Drew's could the bobbins be too short? Drew's seems about the same distance from the edge of the lower bracket but a lot higher. Bobbins are used in a lot of places, maybe they were the wrong type?

[sujitroy]

sujitroy I am aware that the crossmember is not symetrical and offset rearwards to cope with the extra length of the overdrive. Are you referring to the (lower) crossmember or the Upper) bracket. Are you saying that the plate part of the top bracket which bolts onto the overdrive is not central with the fixing holes for the rubber mounts?

Sorry the bracket which attaches to the OD is not symmetrical

here are some photos with measurements of the holes. Based on the bolt hole locations, I think it can only fit one way on the OD

Is your engine sitting too high on its fronts mounts?

[trunt]

Ahh Yes..I see that now.
Didn't notice that, I was looking forward and back. it would lower the box a bit on one side, maybe move it a little left/right so reversing it should help,

terry

[trunt]

Its difficult to show on these pictures but I wonder if it is possible to fit it the wrong way? It mounts to the box either way.
Maybe explain why we see the odd post on how difficult this can be..