Thank you both!
This also explains something else mentioned in the conversation - that
you could not hang around in neutral whilst changing gears. I guess the
input to the gearbox would slow down and the device would re-engage!
(cue crunching noises)
Cheers,
Scott
Joe Curry wrote:
>SAAB had a freewheeling device back in the 60's. I don't know how long
>it was used but the way it worked is quite cleaver. There was a drum
>that had ramps built into the inner sides. An inner shaft turned on
>roller bearings that would travel up the ramps and lock into place when
>the engine RPM was greater than the transmission RPM. So it would spin
>free when the engine rpm was the same as or below the transmission rpm.
>One could shift every gear both up and down without using the clutch.
>
>It was engaged by pulling out a handle in the middle under the dash.
>
>Joe
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: spitfires-owner@autox.team.net
>[mailto:spitfires-owner@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Bill Davies
>Sent: Monday, April 19, 2004 5:52 AM
>To: 'Scott Deakin'; 'Spitfire List'
>Subject: RE: Freewheel Gearbox - Non LBC - Just BC
>
>
>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: spitfires-owner@autox.team.net [mailto:spitfires-
>>owner@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Scott Deakin
>>
>>He then mentioned that
>>it had 'this wonderful freewheel feature' which you operated from a
>>
>>
>dial
>
>
>>on the dashboard. Well, this got my curiosilty roused, since I had
>>never heard of such a thing. Had a quick browse on the web and lo'
>>there is some details on the old rover and their freewheel gearbox -
>>
>>
>but
>
>
>>nothing on how or what it actually does! <sigh>. Anyone here care to
>>enlighten me? Or know of a source for this sort of information.
>>
>>
>
>Hi Scott,
> The freewheel is a kind of one way clutch - increasing engine
>speed
>will be transmitted through the driveline to the wheels, but there is no
>engine braking effect. The Rover company was quite involved with this
>kind
>of engineering, free-wheel hubs were offered on some Landrovers. Rover
>also
>offered their own in-house built overdrives, but these weren't available
>in
>combination with the free-wheel option..
>Soorry I can't offer any sources, this is just stuff I've picked up
>reading
>too many magazines down the years......
> Cheers,
> Bill.
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