I'm trying to get the OD circuit functioning properly for my 1977 242DL. I did an auto-to-manual conversion, using an M46 out of a 1982 donor. I am trying to wire the circuit with the early style shifter and slide switch.

My question relates to the early style 4th gear lockout switch. The switch I have functions in the circuit properly when it is not mounted in the transmission, but not when mounted. In other words, when it is screwed into the transmission I have no power going to the solenoid regardless of what gear the transmission is in (with OD switch engaged, obviously).

I can leave the switch hanging under the car with the wires attached and it seems to work flawlessly (push the little plunger in and it disengages, let the little plunger out and power flows to the solenoid).

The plunger seems to be a bit taller than the one on the single-pole switch that was originally on the transmission so I experimented with the switch screwed in to various depths, figuring that maybe it needed to have some washers or shims...no luck. Up to a certain point there is simply no circuit (the plunger is hitting something and being depressed) and after a certain point the circuit is closed and I have power going to the solenoid regardless of what gear the transmission is in.

I realize that I can simply eliminate the switch from the circuit but I don't want to risk reversing with the OD engaged.

Any help appreciated.