Most ODs have a 4th gear switch so you may not hear the click if the
shift is not in 4th.

You can tell best while driving in 4th at 40 or 50 mph. When you
do the switch you should feel it shift into OD and hear the engine
slow down.

If it doesn't engage, look under the car and see if there is a football-
sized case between the transmission and the driveshaft. That is the
overdrive. It is possible that someone has replaced your M41 tranny
with an M40, which doesn't have OD and uses a longer front driveshaft.

If you are not getting Rolling mag, you need to. It has great articles
and ads from LOTS of parts suppliers.
--
George Downs, The "original" Walrus3, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

There are many parts sources for the 1800. Start with your local Volvo dealer. Lots of things are still available and can be ordered. Foreign Autotech outside of Philadelphia has a wealth of parts, new and used, as does Don Thibault (www.p1800.com, I think)who is located in Mass. IPD on the west coast also stocks lots of 1800 stuff. Join the 1800 list on Yahoo for a wealth of resources, nicely categorized.

You have OD--but does it work. with the engine off, ignition on, flip the little lever and listen for a distinct click--that will tell you whether the solenoid is working--one of the most common failures.

JC Whitney carries most of the common electronic ignitions--Crane and Pertronix are the most commonly used. I like the Crane myself--just installed it with excellent results.

Search this board and the 1800 List--you'll find most questions have been asked and answered by knowledgable people. Get the Haynes Manual and the "green" factory service manual and you'll find that most things are easily done with time and patience.

Rolfe-'71E