Hudson 1948 - 1952, Service Manual

Page: 211 / 333

OVERDRIVE 9 - 3
TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE
NOTE: Unless otherwise designated all instructions and
operations are for overdrive transmissions used with ei-
ther the single lever type or double lever type manual
control transmissions.
FIGURE 3
OPERATION
Overdrive provides a driving ratio of engine speed to
rear wheel speed that is numerically lower than direct
drive. In overdrive the engine revolves 30% slower than in
direct gear at the same car speed, resulting in less wear on
engine parts as well as greater fuel and oil economy and
smoother operation at high speeds.
HIGHWAY DRIVING:
When the car is operated below a predetermined "cut-
in" speed, varying from 18 to 21 mph, the direct drive is
used, making available the acceleration so desirable at
lower speeds. As the car speed increases above the cut-in
point the overdrive unit will shift into overdrive ratio, but
only when the driver desires no further acceleration;
when consciously, or unconsciously, he lifts his foot
from the accelerator, whereupon the shift is completed.
Thereafter, the overdrive remains in effect until the car
speed falls below the "cut-out" points, 16 to 19 mph,
when the overdrive is released.
However, at high speeds, the driver while operating in
overdrive may require additional acceleration beyond
that available by opening the throttle wide. His natural
impulse is to press the accelerator further, and his act
releases the overdrive, making available the full acceler-
ation of direct drive. The direct drive is retained as long
as the full acceleration is required; when the driver no
longer requires it he lifts his foot from the accelerator,
whereupon the overdrive is resumed. If the driver so
desires, he may retain the direct drive indefinitely by
maintaining a small amount of throttle opening.
CITY TRAFFIC DRIVING:
Much city driving is under conditions which permit
speeds of 20-32 mph, with frequent stops. Many drivers
are accustomed to start in second gear under such condi-
tions. With overdrive-equipped cars, the driver may start
in second gear, accelerate up to the "cut-in" speed, an, by
merely lifting the foot from the accelerator pedal, engage
the overdrive-second gear combination, which is approx-
imately the same ratio as the usual third speed. At the
first traffic stop, it is merely n e c e s s a r y to release the
clutch; the gear shift lever is not touched. Furthermore,
if a special burst of acceleration is needed in a tight traffic
spot, the full power of second gear may be had by press-
ing the accelerator to the floor, resuming the overdrive-
second by the usual method of closing the throttle.