| Author | Message | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 265 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 75.178.92.43  Rating: N/A |
In catching up with what ya’ll (see, I’m already turning ‘southern’) have been up to, I ran across RJ’s “Aaaargh – Epilogue II” post, reminding me of something I’ve wanted to ask: Where is the reverse solenoid? I’m talking an MC-5C four-speed (but I assume they’re all much alike?). Mine works but I’ve always wondered how I’d repair it if it failed. When she was up on the pit, I had a buddy toggle the switch a few times – heard the click and a healthy ‘clunk’ but could see nothing actually move. So what exactly happens? And where is this lever you pushed to engage (and disengage?) reverse? I’m thinking of this now because of (maybe) a related problem: As I was backing in here, she hung up in reverse. Banged the stick a few times but she wouldn’t go back into neutral. Shut her down for awhile and let her cool off. When I restarted, I was able to shift again. Pretty tight maneuver, so I was doing a lot of clutching – I thought maybe I overheated the clutch? But I’m just making a wild guess (which, as you all know, I’m prone to do). Or might it be the first sign of a linkage problem? Or what? Thanks for the listen. And to RJ: congrats on reclaiming your old friend. Nellie Wilson | ||
| Rob Norgren (Robsedona)
Registered Member Username: Robsedona Post Number: 103 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 75.208.30.72  Rating: N/A |
You can see the reverse solenoid on the top side and the Lever on the passenger side you can see them through the floor door in the rear the one you chanced the governor through! they work by a lever between the two. I have heard to always clutch between the gear you are in and reverse because they might hang up, as i take it clutch out of 1st let up the clutch then hit the switch clutch into reverse, also herd never engage the switch before you are in Neutral the trans might hang up in 1st or the gear you where in. As to hanging up in the gear (do not hit the switch to get out of reverse only to get in) is your clutch fully engaging if not can hang you up. I have never had this problem maybe others have and have a better Idea of what happed to keep you in reverse. I have a MC5A same 4speed and it was a picture in you posts that helped me find where to cut new floor to get to the door underneath! Rob (Message edited by Robsedona on September 19, 2009) | ||
| Jim Wallin (Powderseeker01)
Registered Member Username: Powderseeker01 Post Number: 36 Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 173.14.23.49  Rating: N/A |
I'm not sure about the MCI, but on my GM I engage the clutch, shift into first gear, push the reverse solenoid, and then shift into second/reverse, then let the clutch out and backwards I go. Shifting back into first gets things moving forward again | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 949 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.202.165.190  Rating: N/A |
I do something similar ,on our SPORTSCAR, in neutral, push button , shift into first then back to second and release the button. Seems to make the pull from 1 to 2 easier , MUCH easier. IN an emergency the lever on the tranny can be moved by a helper to gain reverse. The solenoid needs to be set up properly as there is an engage coil and when engaged a lower amp holding coil. In Da Book for the setup. FF | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 268 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 75.178.92.43 Rating: N/A |
Hmmm? My Op. Manual tells me to flip and HOLD the solenoid when in neutral, then shift into reverse (customary 2nd) before releasing. But I'll try shifting into 1st first (that reads kinda dumb, but how else you gonna say it?) Experimentation, that's the ticket. And, man, I've been doing a bunch of that lately. Thanks for the tip guys, I'll let you know. Oh, while I've still (maybe) got your attention: Nobody's come back on what exactly this solenoid does. Does it flip 2nd gear around, or bring another gear into line, or what? Or does it change something in the rear end / axle? Not that I'm going to work on it or anything (I fervently hope), I'd just like to know. Nellie Wilson | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1608 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.182.53.218  Rating: N/A |
Nellie - To answer your question, the reverse solenoid pulls on a lever mounted on the top of the transmission when activated. This lever, in turn, moves the internal gear selector to reverse as you pull the stick up front into what is normally the 2nd gear position. It's been my experience (IBME) that some MCI's like to be shifted into reverse the same as the GMCs (start in 1st, push/hold button, pull back into 2nd, release button), and others prefer you start in neutral, push/hold button and pull into 2nd, release button. Dunno why, as most 4-spd MCIs all use the same Spicer 8844 gearbox. Here's a pic of the reverse solenoid on my 4106. Notice the lever it's connected to, that is what my friend pushed on. Easy on a GMC, because it's right inside the transmission access door. If you look in the upper left, you can see the round wheel used to adjust the clutch, and below that, one of the shift linkages. The funny-looking thing with the springs on it is the "mousetrap", officially known as a "clutch assist mechanism". Your MCI uses air, GMC used simple springs. You should be able to see the reverse solenoid on top of your transmission, most likely on the passenger side. FWIW & HTH. . .   | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 274 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 75.178.92.43 Rating: N/A |
Thanks RJ - Good photo, great explanation. I'll pull some covers off and snoop around, maybe try to shift it into reverse manually? Just some 'in case' training, you know? Nellie | ||
| Rob Norgren (Robsedona)
Registered Member Username: Robsedona Post Number: 111 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 75.208.72.51 Rating: |
 Here is the reverse solenoid looking in the Passenger side of the MC5A at the Transmission  Here is the reverse solenoid looking from the door on the floor in rear and forward of the hole Can not reach from here | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 280 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 75.178.92.43 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Rob, I'll check it out in a near future. Nellie |
