I am an MG guy. I've rebuilt D type and LH type overdrives for years, with great success. "As a favor" to a friend, I took in his 122 gearbox with OD. I simply cannot figure this one out. The gearbox works fine (now). The overdrive will work for about a minute, then shift in and out, then not work at all. When I drain the oil, it appears extremely aereated, frothy. My guess is that the OD has some kind of leak and is atomizing the oil. Once filled with air, the oil cannot actuate the hydraulic components.

I would be so very appreciative for a hint on where to look. I am not familiar with this "J" ? box, with those pistons all fitted within each other.

I will GLADLY trade MG advice for help on this customer's gearbox.

John Twist
johntwist@universitymotorsltd.com
Grand Rapids, Michigan

John:

We'll gladly help you with your overdrive problems.

But...

Next time I call your shop to inquire about getting a pair of SU's rebuilt (at which you are, admittedly, a master) I do NOT want to hear, "Oh, for a VOLVO??. We only fix ENGLISH cars." in the snottiest tone I've ever heard.

I've known (of) you for a LONG time, John. Back since the days on Eastern Ave. Back since the FIRST time University sponsored the first "Featured Marque: MG" weekend at Grattan.

I almost signed up for your SU rebuild class this year. I could stand to learn more about the SU. BUT... I was pretty sure I'd have been kicked out for showing up with a pair of HS6 from a VOLVO.

You're on MY turf now.

Gosh! I wish to apologise for my sins. I wish every day was a success, that every day was a good day, and that I was in a brilliant mood every day. That has not yet been my fortune, but I am reminded that I should work harder towards this goal.

You are certainly welcome to participate in the Technical Seminars for the rebuild of the SU's. You are quite right. An SU is an SU.

And, my offer still stands: I am willing to answer MG technical questions during my technical hour.

Thank you for your constructive criticisms.

John Twist
University Motors Ltd
Ada, Michigan

What a gracious reply... I've been looking through your website and can see that you must be most respectable... albeit misguided with your MG addiction. You really shoulda got help for that about 35 years ago :-)

Can't help you personally with your overdrive troubles...sounds like you getting it zeroed in, but if you'd like to finish the restoration of an old Jag for me, I'd be happy to send it up with a spare J OD in the passenger side footwell... Can't say it'll work though :-)

Cheers!
-Matt
--
-Matt '70 145s, '65 1800s, '66 122s wagon, others inc. '53 XK120 FHC

If there is one thing that characterizes the informational used car lot, the slithering sleaze of the internet, it is those who use its inherent potential for anonimity to take a virtual two by four upside the head of anyone they dislike, anytime they feel like it. Double decking the peanut butter and jelly sandwich of atrocity are those that guise their rants with promises they obiously dont intend to keep. Liars on top of cowards! Take this peppy number, for instance. Not Saying Who clearly states at the begining of his paragraph, "We'll gladly help you with your overdrive problems," then fails to do any such thing. We can only assume that he is expecting to be free to berate John and holds the rest of brickboard constituents accountable for his shortcomings. Is this a parallel to your life, Not Saying Who? Do you regularly fall short and rely on your steadfast belief that the world owes you something to see you through? Remember, your post has no implication but to hurt John, anger fellow posters, and limber my linguistic apparatus for a frilly imitation of yourself.

Please, if you don't have something intelligent to say, just resort to laughing uncomfortably at those who attempt to be truly tolerant. The world has enough misdirected anger as it is.

People of the world, relax.

-Josh

Actually I thought that "Not Saying Who's" post was moderate and that he explained himself well. As well, a previous poster had already provided an excellent site to help John.
Your post Josh, at least in my mind, borders on patronizing, and seems a bit condescending. Nonetheless I understand your point.

Everyone should be so lucky! Those who are often patronized can be assured they will never go out of business.

-Josh

The most thorough explanation of the J-Type I have found is located at this site:

http://www.buckeyetriumphs.org/technical/JOD/JOD1/JOD1.htm

I would read through that material and see if it helps.

Thanks very, very much for the link to the TR site. This has been an enormous help in understanding the hydraulic operation -- where I believe my problem lies.

John Twist
University Motors
Ada, Michigan

I was going to suggest Buckeye Triumphs too but have been beaten to the punch! I really should get on over to University Motors some day as I too am afflicted with the MG/Volvo dual bug (but got rid of the air-cooled VW's!).



G'luck on it, John,

Mike!