Hi all, it's been a while since I was on here.

Right, last time you all knew I had a rusty old red/orange alpine. well Its now on ebay because I have found myself a better one....

I was wondering how I identify if the car has overdrive, on the steering colum where the switch would be there is a hole as if the switch would go there, however ....no switch, I dont know if it has been broken off or if infact the car does not have overdrive....

how can i tell?

its a series 3 GT
1592cc







Cheers
Alex

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Hi Alex

Put your overalls on and get under the car!!

The overdrive is fixed to the gearbox and the car is fitted with a shorter prop shaft.

For more technical details refer to the Rootes parts list Section G for the gearbox and Section J for the overdrive. Part number 1218081 or 1223666 depending on the chassis number.

If you need a switch try the dealers.

Also, there should be an overdrive relay under the bonnet with all the associated wiring.

ok guys, however what should the length of this propshaft be? as I probably wouldnt know the difference. Also where abouts in the engine bay is the solenoid located? Side of the gearbox?

ah another quick question, the engine on my new(er) alpine runs, however if you try and accelerate slowly, it will stall, if you put your foot down straight away it will rev like no tomorrow.
Im guessing this could just be due to not being used in a while and the stale fuel in it? As well as other things like needing a good service?

Alex

The solenoid is on the gearbox, and the relay is on the firewall/bulkhead(boy you were up early today!)

Your other car problem sounds unusual. Not stale fuel, but probably a weak mixture carburation problem. Maybe sudden throttle sends a bit extra fuel, but gradual opening is too weak to rev. Is it twin Strommies (they are infamous)?

Hey V Mad

Thanks for the reply (yes when you work for sunseeker boats on the electrical test team they get you up any hours lol)

I'm collecting my new alpine this weekend (sunday) I'll then be able to get under and have a look etc.

As for the carb problem, how you explained it makes sense, I'm not sure on the carb make without looking, but it is definatly just a single carb (unfortunatly )

It has sat in a barn for about 3 years so it could be a combination of things. My friend recons to give it a full engine service and then a blast up the road, should clear it out.

Also whilast im here: It's going to need a new exhaust (probably just the underside section, the manifold and downpipe look ok) I was wondering if anyone has anything/know a good place that is recommended by alpine owners?


Cheers
Alex

Alex, a single carb is probably easier to sort out and tune than the twins, so thats OK really. The progressive (eg 28/36 DCD) Webers are good if you are lucky enough. I suspect the idle circuit may have got gummed up, and the carb may need replacing or stripping/servicing. Also you may have a weak (mechanical) fuel pump? You can get service kits for those. Of course it could be ignition problems, so check that too.

Exhaust should be no problem. The main Sunbeam Dealers supply them (www.thesunbeamsparescompany.co.uk etc).
Cheers & good luck.

Hey again

Thanks for that info, I will have a closer look at the carb and give it a clean up.
The previous owner bypassed the mechanical fuel pump and fitted an electric one. (This I am going to move as it is located right under the battery box with cables everywhere, and the last thing I need is me and my pride of joy in flames)

I'll let you know what the problem was when I find out.

Cheers
ALex

Most obviously - if the car was built with overdrive, then there will be the letters OD after the chassis number and before the HRO. If there isn't, somebody could have added an overdrive of course, but more likely the little blanking plate that fits inside the column shrouds to block the overdrive switch hole on non-O/D cars has simply fallen out. Also, if there is overdrive and it's fitted properly, there is a little white indicator light on the dashboard between the rev counter and ammeter positions on a Series 3. My 3, which was built as a non-O/D car (although now retro-fitted with a Series V gearbox and an, as yet, unconnected overdrive) has a little chrome blank in this place, but I don't know if it is original.

If you have still got the original Series 3 gearbox in the car (O/D or non-O/D), then hang on to it - even if needing a rebuild, as they have close ratio gears, different from all the other series, and are rare now. Luckily, I got the original box with mine, and one day I'll have it rebuilt and re-installed.

Series 3's also have the 3.89 rear axle on both O/D and non-O/D cars, whereas all the others had 4.22's on the O/D cars. Therefore if, like me, you haven't got the proper close ratio gearbox, but still have the original speedo, then you will never know what speed you are really going! Not sure if this will be a defence to the dreaded flash-flash though!

Steve (3234)