Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1952 Mercury Monterey O/D and Transmission, overdrive units, mercury monterey

Question
Dick a friend of mine bought a 1952 Mercury Monterey with O/D. He has had it about 5 months. He had the trans checked and fluid added then a few weeks ago the trans went out. They say it needs O/D planatery assy and sun gear, Sprag Rollers and Cluster & Lower Slide any Idea on where to find these Parts. Thanks Jans McClain

Answer
Those overdrive units were used on many makes of cars, it is called an "R11" Borg Warner overdrive, and any transmission shop that has been in business for 20 years or more will know how to fix it and where to get the parts.

The transmission and overdrive have separate lubricant reservoirs, I hope both were checked when it was serviced.  

The usual cause of this type of failure is driver error - namely using the overdrive in other than high gear. I know that some folks think this is permissable, but it puts over twice the torque through the overdrive geartrain, and they cannot tolerate that at full throttle.

If only the overdrive has failed, the car may still be driveable in direct drive, if the overdrive is locked out.

Look for an old time transmission rebuilder, one that has been in business for many years - they should be able to help on this situation.

Dick