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There is no transmission ''oil bath'' with the engine off

I have to disagree with Eric on this because if the tranny's Input shaft doesn't spin, then the Idler Gear (aka Cluster Gear/Layshaft) won't be spinning either.

And it's the spinning Idler Gear that normally provides the splash lubrication inside the tranny. But when towing, there will be NO LUBRICATION for the spinning mainshaft, its rear bearing, and all the needle bearings or bushings for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd speed drive gears, synchro hubs, etc. —all riding that spinning mainshaft— with no oil splashing.

Penske Rental says:
"Nearly all non-4WD rear-wheel-drive transmissions will be damaged if they are turned by the driveshaft for long periods without the engine running to circulate lubricants within them. Therefore they are not towable for long distances or at highway speeds."

Dolly towing instruction 12 is explicit:
"Disconnect the drive shaft on the towed vehicle if rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Consult your dealer if you are uncertain of the above. Towing above vehicle without disconnecting drive shaft will damage towed vehicle's transmission even if transmission is placed in neutral."

I'd play it safe by disconnecting the rear u-joint and tying the driveshaft over to the exhaust pipe. Then (with help) pushing the front wheels up on the dolly.


--
Bruce Young, '93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.






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New towing 1800 on a dolly
posted by  jaydee subscriber  on Thu May 16 20:45 CST 2013 >


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