Thanks for the video. I have booked my MGB GT in with Hardy's with similar issues next month. I had a go myself and now the overdrive doesn't work at all! I was searching youtube for solutions and your video made me bite the bullet and get it to the right people.
After watching the video, you were right and very wise to have the gearbox and overdrive serviced, especially by an establishment that loves what they do! Changing the throwout bearing can never hurt. At least now you'll have the peace of mind that everything operates as designed.
I really enjoyed the video. I have a 1967 B Roadster, which I drove off the showroom floor in 1967. It has no overdrive (so sad). I wish we had that kind of talent in the States. When my next ship comes in with loads of cash, I've often considered adding overdrive. Not getting overdrive is my second biggest regret about the experience. My number one regret is not buying the Healy Roadster sitting right next to my B in 67.
Thanks for your comment - the overdrive certainly makes the car more driveable and comfortable at highway speeds.. I loved the fact that the Hardy guys run classic cars - especially Michelle in her Healey :-)
I really enjoyed this video Graham, it's great to see companies keeping our classics on the road. Very interested to hear advice with regards using the clutch to both engage and disengage the overdrive, something both Janice and myself have never done but makes complete sense really. Would be great to see more companies featured on your channel but not at your expense 😂👍
Many thanks for your comments - We're planning to feature more companies of interest on the channel (hopefully not fixing a problem on my car!) but we'll make sure that it doesn't descend into an advertorial :-)
Hi Graham great informative video and glad you are back on the road. It’s great to see these old professional garage’s that actually care about the car’s they are fixing not how much they can rinse out of your wallet.
Thanks for your comment - couldn't agree more - their labour rate is very reasonable - a lot less than a modern franchised garage who simply plug a computer in and order an expensive new part!
I'm glad you're getting your problem sorted out. In the USA, I have a couple of MGB's, both with overdrive. Luckily for me, I haven't had the troubles you're experiencing. The one thing I do remember from my reading is to never back up if the overdrive won't disengage as catastrophic damage will occur. That sounds pretty scary.
Many thanks for your comment - yes, that's exactly what Bill said... On the positive side, I think overdrives are generally pretty reliable and it tends to be electrical issues normally - not with mine though :-)
Many thanks for your comment - interesting - online, the opinions seem mixed using the clutch for the overdrive but as I mentioned in the video, the guys that rebuild them should know best - clutch all the time for me from now on!
@@ClassicMGB I was always told that you should, so just stuck with it. Mind its only covered 57,000 miles since new and the gear box is still perfect as far as I know!
My father in the mid 70’s had a Triumph 2000 it habitually stuck in overdrive which stopped you getting reverse, a good whack on the rear of the gearbox always sorted it. A real pain in bad weather!
Thanks for your comment - as it was usually my wife Nicola that had to occasionally push the car backwards when reverse didn't work, I dread to think what she'd think about crawling under the car and whacking it with a hammer !!!!
Thanks for your comment Wayne - never heard of the overdrive on the stalk - is that a one-off mod or have I missed something? I thought all the later ones had the switch on the gearstick... I am glad I got a definitive answer on clutch use though!
@ClassicMGB it was placed on the stalk for a short period as they swapped to the rubber bumpers,75 76,for about 18 months I think. The jubilee models also had it there.
I am amazed people swap out an overdrive gearbox for a 5 speed. I have 2 cars with overdrive units and I find them far superior to 5 speed boxes. I always declutch slightly on taking it out of overdrive but not putting it in. Might give it a go on engaging it now
Thanks for your comment - I guess many people think that a modern 5 speed solution is better than the old design - I haven't driven an MGB with a 5 speed box so can't really comment except that I'm very happy with my setup!
Many thanks for your comment - its worth checking the simple things like the electrics before committing to a full rebuild. Most overdrive issues seem to be electrical - switch, connections, inhibit switch etc... From the viewers cars video, I can't remember exactly what's wrong with yours?
@@ClassicMGB mine doesn’t engage not even a sound I have found a few corroded connections and I have got a service kit for the overdrive as I don’t know when it was last done it’s the next job on my list.
I am half way through taking the engine and gearbox/OD out of my 1980 BGT. While I was in there I have changed the rear crank seal, clutch and release bearing and all the engine mounts and gearbox mounts. Since I am on the Sheffield border, i used Overdrive Services who are ex-Laycock staff, they are of course very knowledgeable. I have the engine back in and just a few more little jobs to do that will get me back on the road again. My OD was slipping in 1st gear and in to 2nd. It was also very slow to change and hit a false neutral when putting the OD on. I'm hoping for a better driving experience from here on in, I've only had the car a few weeks but have been busy since I picked it up, polybushing the front suspension and uprating the front antiroll bar and dropping the ride height.
Many thanks for your comment - I did actually speak to Overdrive Services early on as I had a chat with them on camera at Beaulieu last year - th-cam.com/video/jNwmycerFBs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=BDz1QC3-xwFyVuT4&t=216 - they were very helpful but Sheffield is a long way from us, and I'd been personally recommended to go to Hardys!
@@ClassicMGB They are less than 2 miles from me, so it was an easy choice :) and I have the capability of removing the engine and box myself. It's part of the joy for me.
Hi Graham i really enjoyed this video! Am still looking for my old roadster BXC 126G in Mineral Blue. Love your channel so keep up the good work! Cheers Nigel
Thanks for your comment - I did a quick check and as you'll probably know, your car is SORN'd. I assume you've contacted the MGB Register to try and find it? I'd be happy to do a quick short on the channel if you send a couple of images and some of the background to hello@classicmgb.com
Would love to have a good shop here in the states and Florida particularly, that could work on my transmission. Nobody, I know here works on manuals, especially old classic units. I’ve heard University Motors can but that is unfortunately quite a few states away from me. All the transmission shops here only do auto boxes and it better be an insurance job. I’ve had no synchros on 2nd and 3rd for about 10 years now. But my OD works 😅.
Thanks for your comment - Yes, we're lucky here that we have good companies like Hardy's that can fix old british gearboxes. Given that most MGBs were actually exported to the US, I'm surprised that there's not not facilities available though...
Ha. I had a similar 'event' with the non overdrive gearbox in my '65 MGB. My mechanic taught me about the 8 most expensive words in the English language : while you are at it you may as well...... I bit the bullet and installed a Mazda 5 speed gearbox from an MX5. The difference is fantastic.
Great video Always enjoy watching your channel it keeps me enthusiastic about holding on to my 73 GT yeah just like yours I'm sure everyone is wondering just like me What did that repair cost If you don't mind us asking 😂
Thanks for your comment - it was just over £2100 + VAT all in. That included removing and replacing the engine and gearbox, the refurb of the gearbox and the exchange overdrive and all lubricants etc. It was a lot of money, but it was a big job and I tend to go by 2 maxims - "the quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten" and "you get what you pay for" :-)
Had this exact problem on two different MGB cars. It is a £15 and fifteen minute fix. I to was told it would be engine out .... but no no no no ! The problen is fixed with a new overdrive filter and O'ring kit. Job is simple and is featured in you tube video. Fix has lasted 15 years and 20k miles. It is lack of pressure from clogged filter and worn O'ring.
Thanks for your comment - sadly, I don't think my problem was as you suggest. Hardy have since stripped the overdrive and in addition to the fault shown in the video, a lining in the cone clutch had completely parted company with the metalwork. Let me have an e-mail address and I'll send you the image...
Many thanks for your comment - they are such nice people and are very skilled at what they do so I reckon it was good value for money - we have to pay for our pleasures :-)
You know, I dont miss OD because I've never had it. I go 80 mph everyday and have just gotten used to 4000 rpms over the last 20 years. Both my cars just do it. And so do I. Lol
Thanks for your comment. Sadly, this wouldn't have worked for me - Hardy's have now stripped my overdrive down and found that, in addition to the issue shown in the video, the clutch lining was completely detached from the metal so it definitely needed replacement!
I had a problem with the overdrive when I bought my MG Roadster 2 months ago and drove it home 80 mile, it turned out it had a four speed box fitted.. I got a bit of cash back from the seller for the inconvenience.. If anyone is selling a good working overdive box ? giz a message...
That's interesting - was there an overdrive switch on the dashboard or gearstick - Would be worth having a chat with Hardy's to see if they could help with an overdrive box...
@@ClassicMGB Yes it has the switch, I thought it needed the oil changing or maybe the selonoid was stuck 🤔 The seller said he didn't know and he had owned the car 18 months.. There's plenty of overdrive boxes for sale on Ebay atm..
Thanks for the video. I have booked my MGB GT in with Hardy's with similar issues next month. I had a go myself and now the overdrive doesn't work at all! I was searching youtube for solutions and your video made me bite the bullet and get it to the right people.
Thanks for your comment - if you get the same service I did, you'll be very happy. Bill, Michelle and the team are very knowledgeable.
After watching the video, you were right and very wise to have the gearbox and overdrive serviced, especially by an establishment that loves what they do! Changing the throwout bearing can never hurt. At least now you'll have the peace of mind that everything operates as designed.
Thanks for your comment - and reassurance that it was worth it! :-)
I really enjoyed the video. I have a 1967 B Roadster, which I drove off the showroom floor in 1967. It has no overdrive (so sad). I wish we had that kind of talent in the States. When my next ship comes in with loads of cash, I've often considered adding overdrive. Not getting overdrive is my second biggest regret about the experience. My number one regret is not buying the Healy Roadster sitting right next to my B in 67.
Thanks for your comment - the overdrive certainly makes the car more driveable and comfortable at highway speeds.. I loved the fact that the Hardy guys run classic cars - especially Michelle in her Healey :-)
I really enjoyed this video Graham, it's great to see companies keeping our classics on the road. Very interested to hear advice with regards using the clutch to both engage and disengage the overdrive, something both Janice and myself have never done but makes complete sense really. Would be great to see more companies featured on your channel but not at your expense 😂👍
Many thanks for your comments - We're planning to feature more companies of interest on the channel (hopefully not fixing a problem on my car!) but we'll make sure that it doesn't descend into an advertorial :-)
Hi Graham great informative video and glad you are back on the road. It’s great to see these old professional garage’s that actually care about the car’s they are fixing not how much they can rinse out of your wallet.
Thanks for your comment - couldn't agree more - their labour rate is very reasonable - a lot less than a modern franchised garage who simply plug a computer in and order an expensive new part!
I'm glad you're getting your problem sorted out. In the USA, I have a couple of MGB's, both with overdrive. Luckily for me, I haven't had the troubles you're experiencing. The one thing I do remember from my reading is to never back up if the overdrive won't disengage as catastrophic damage will occur. That sounds pretty scary.
Many thanks for your comment - yes, that's exactly what Bill said... On the positive side, I think overdrives are generally pretty reliable and it tends to be electrical issues normally - not with mine though :-)
Good advice to use the clutch when engaging the overdrive. Great video and very informative. Keep at it!
Many thanks for your comment :-)
Excellent video and subject. I have always used the clutch for the overdrive on my 1973 MGB which I have had since 1982.
Many thanks for your comment - interesting - online, the opinions seem mixed using the clutch for the overdrive but as I mentioned in the video, the guys that rebuild them should know best - clutch all the time for me from now on!
@@ClassicMGB I was always told that you should, so just stuck with it. Mind its only covered 57,000 miles since new and the gear box is still perfect as far as I know!
I never use the clutch own the mk11 for 47years been raced and hill climbed car has done over 250,000 miles I did one engine rebuild.
Another excellent video. I will certainly use the clutch on my BGT when engaging overdrive in future!
Thanks for your comment - me too!!
Very useful video, especially as I have a 1969 BGT and Hardy Engineering are only 5 mins away!
Thanks for your comment - you're lucky - I'm over 2 hours away from them! Well worth a visit if you have a gearbox or overdrive problem!
My father in the mid 70’s had a Triumph 2000 it habitually stuck in overdrive which stopped you getting reverse, a good whack on the rear of the gearbox always sorted it. A real pain in bad weather!
Thanks for your comment - as it was usually my wife Nicola that had to occasionally push the car backwards when reverse didn't work, I dread to think what she'd think about crawling under the car and whacking it with a hammer !!!!
I've always used my clutch for putting it into the overdrive, mine is on the stalk though so it's like a paddle shift. Great video again Graham
Thanks for your comment Wayne - never heard of the overdrive on the stalk - is that a one-off mod or have I missed something? I thought all the later ones had the switch on the gearstick... I am glad I got a definitive answer on clutch use though!
@ClassicMGB it was placed on the stalk for a short period as they swapped to the rubber bumpers,75 76,for about 18 months I think. The jubilee models also had it there.
@@wayneblake1161 I never knew that - every day's a school day :-)
@@wayneblake1161 my 1975 was on the left hand stalk.
@@paulallen6915 yep,mine was finished built on the 31 Dec 1975. It was featured on this channel back in jan
Beautiful MG! Enjoy.
Many thanks for your comment - I love my MGB!
I'm glad your got your baby fixed and on the road. Happy travels!
Thanks for your comment - yes - its nice to have the GT back - weather's ice today so will take it out for a run :-)
Great video with lots of useful information which hopefully I never need but will definitely be hanging on to my spare overdrive gearbox. 👍👍
Thanks for your comment - definitely worth holding onto a spare gearbox with overdrive!
I am amazed people swap out an overdrive gearbox for a 5 speed. I have 2 cars with overdrive units and I find them far superior to 5 speed boxes. I always declutch slightly on taking it out of overdrive but not putting it in. Might give it a go on engaging it now
Thanks for your comment - I guess many people think that a modern 5 speed solution is better than the old design - I haven't driven an MGB with a 5 speed box so can't really comment except that I'm very happy with my setup!
Brilliant video a good insight into the overdrive can’t wait to get mine finally working
Many thanks for your comment - its worth checking the simple things like the electrics before committing to a full rebuild. Most overdrive issues seem to be electrical - switch, connections, inhibit switch etc... From the viewers cars video, I can't remember exactly what's wrong with yours?
@@ClassicMGB mine doesn’t engage not even a sound I have found a few corroded connections and I have got a service kit for the overdrive as I don’t know when it was last done it’s the next job on my list.
I am half way through taking the engine and gearbox/OD out of my 1980 BGT. While I was in there I have changed the rear crank seal, clutch and release bearing and all the engine mounts and gearbox mounts. Since I am on the Sheffield border, i used Overdrive Services who are ex-Laycock staff, they are of course very knowledgeable. I have the engine back in and just a few more little jobs to do that will get me back on the road again. My OD was slipping in 1st gear and in to 2nd. It was also very slow to change and hit a false neutral when putting the OD on. I'm hoping for a better driving experience from here on in, I've only had the car a few weeks but have been busy since I picked it up, polybushing the front suspension and uprating the front antiroll bar and dropping the ride height.
Many thanks for your comment - I did actually speak to Overdrive Services early on as I had a chat with them on camera at Beaulieu last year - th-cam.com/video/jNwmycerFBs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=BDz1QC3-xwFyVuT4&t=216 - they were very helpful but Sheffield is a long way from us, and I'd been personally recommended to go to Hardys!
@@ClassicMGB They are less than 2 miles from me, so it was an easy choice :) and I have the capability of removing the engine and box myself. It's part of the joy for me.
@@paulallen6915 The overdrive should have a inhibitor switch so that 1st & 2nd gear do not engage.
@@austinblanch1715 I know this but if the clutch is worn the slip will be in the lower gears, opposite to what you experience with the main clutch.
Hi Graham i really enjoyed this video! Am still looking for my old roadster BXC 126G in Mineral Blue.
Love your channel so keep up the good work! Cheers Nigel
Thanks for your comment - I did a quick check and as you'll probably know, your car is SORN'd. I assume you've contacted the MGB Register to try and find it? I'd be happy to do a quick short on the channel if you send a couple of images and some of the background to hello@classicmgb.com
@@ClassicMGB thanks, will contact u soon
I've always been a bit lucky with any overdrive issues in the past, as they've always been down to electrical issues on the few MGBs I've owned.
Thanks for your comment Mark - yes, I've heard that's normally the problem - sadly not for me, but at least I got to meet the guys at Hardy :-)
Hi Graham, did you get my MGB photos and text the other day? Cheers M
Would love to have a good shop here in the states and Florida particularly, that could work on my transmission. Nobody, I know here works on manuals, especially old classic units. I’ve heard University Motors can but that is unfortunately quite a few states away from me. All the transmission shops here only do auto boxes and it better be an insurance job.
I’ve had no synchros on 2nd and 3rd for about 10 years now. But my OD works 😅.
Thanks for your comment - Yes, we're lucky here that we have good companies like Hardy's that can fix old british gearboxes. Given that most MGBs were actually exported to the US, I'm surprised that there's not not facilities available though...
Ha. I had a similar 'event' with the non overdrive gearbox in my '65 MGB. My mechanic taught me about the 8 most expensive words in the English language : while you are at it you may as well...... I bit the bullet and installed a Mazda 5 speed gearbox from an MX5. The difference is fantastic.
Thanks for your comment - I've not driven a 5 speed MGB, only the overdrive version, but each to their own. :-)
@@ClassicMGB agreed. I've kept the original and am having it reconditioned
Before you go crazy I would change the oil in the unit. Overdrives are sensitive to detergents in certain oils.
Thanks for your comment. The gearbox has been overhauled and the overdrive replaced with a reconditioned unit. All is working well now!
Great video
Always enjoy watching your channel it keeps me enthusiastic about holding on to my 73 GT yeah just like yours
I'm sure everyone is wondering just like me
What did that repair cost
If you don't mind us asking 😂
Thanks for your comment - it was just over £2100 + VAT all in. That included removing and replacing the engine and gearbox, the refurb of the gearbox and the exchange overdrive and all lubricants etc. It was a lot of money, but it was a big job and I tend to go by 2 maxims - "the quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten" and "you get what you pay for" :-)
Had this exact problem on two different MGB cars. It is a £15 and fifteen minute fix. I to was told it would be engine out .... but no no no no ! The problen is fixed with a new overdrive filter and O'ring kit. Job is simple and is featured in you tube video. Fix has lasted 15 years and 20k miles. It is lack of pressure from clogged filter and worn O'ring.
Thanks for your comment - sadly, I don't think my problem was as you suggest. Hardy have since stripped the overdrive and in addition to the fault shown in the video, a lining in the cone clutch had completely parted company with the metalwork. Let me have an e-mail address and I'll send you the image...
Very cheery considering the pending big bill 😬
Many thanks for your comment - they are such nice people and are very skilled at what they do so I reckon it was good value for money - we have to pay for our pleasures :-)
@@ClassicMGByes, worth it in the long run 😊
@@davidgerrard8661 Absolutely :-)
You know, I dont miss OD because I've never had it. I go 80 mph everyday and have just gotten used to 4000 rpms over the last 20 years. Both my cars just do it. And so do I. Lol
Thanks for your comment - fair enough, each to their own, but I love my overdrive on the motorway! :-)
Great!
Thanks for your comment Tim - wish you were a bit closer :-)
@@ClassicMGB thanks, that's kind of you to say 👍
104 MG tech / Overdrive repair Universitymotorsonline ... You tube video of the simple repair !!!
Thanks for your comment. Sadly, this wouldn't have worked for me - Hardy's have now stripped my overdrive down and found that, in addition to the issue shown in the video, the clutch lining was completely detached from the metal so it definitely needed replacement!
I had a problem with the overdrive when I bought my MG Roadster 2 months ago and drove it home 80 mile, it turned out it had a four speed box fitted.. I got a bit of cash back from the seller for the inconvenience.. If anyone is selling a good working overdive box ? giz a message...
That's interesting - was there an overdrive switch on the dashboard or gearstick - Would be worth having a chat with Hardy's to see if they could help with an overdrive box...
@@ClassicMGB Yes it has the switch, I thought it needed the oil changing or maybe the selonoid was stuck 🤔 The seller said he didn't know and he had owned the car 18 months.. There's plenty of overdrive boxes for sale on Ebay atm..
@@poppydogz Fair enough - problem with an eBay buy is that you won't know its any good until you get it into the car... Good Luck :-)
@@ClassicMGB I'll only buy a known good working one.. Cheers 🍻
Good plan!