Towing an auto?

[Morningside]

Yes, yes,yes I know! It will 'boil' the oil, screw up the torque converter, mash the gears.
And kill thousands of children and create the next nuclear winter.


BUT...
Towing an 02 plate Scenic auto. Possible at low speeds <25 and less than 10 miles.

Engine will NOT be running.

OK?

[Big Rod]

I think I'm right in saying it'd do less damage if the engine was running.

I'd say disconnect the propshaft but I guess being a scenic it won't have one being FWD.

[GavinPearson]

It may not be.

A lot of automatic transmissions use plated metal bearings versus needle rollers and if the transmission oil pump isn't sending lubricant their way then there is a good risk that they and in turn the transmission will be ruined even at the low speed and relatively short distances you are talking about.

[Ozzie Osmond]

An auto box needs constant pumped lubrication if the vehicle is moving, otherwise it will be destroyed. So never tow an auto any distance unless you know the answer to how the gearbox oil pump is driven,

• If it's driven off the input shaft (i.e. the engine) you must not tow the car unless the engine is running.

• If it's driven off the output shaft (i.e. by the wheels) it's OK to tow the car.

[Morningside]

Ozzie Osmond said:

An auto box needs constant pumped lubrication if the vehicle is moving, otherwise it will be destroyed. So never tow an auto any distance unless you know the answer to how the gearbox oil pump is driven,

• If it's driven off the input shaft (i.e. the engine) you must not tow the car unless the engine is running.

• If it's driven off the output shaft (i.e. by the wheels) it's OK to tow the car.

They 'may' be able to start the car but the engine is very damaged and therefore running it could ruin it further.
What do you call any distance..1/2 mile? 200 yards or nothing. (suspect I know the answer).

[McSam]

Morningside said:

They 'may' be able to start the car but the engine is very damaged and therefore running it could ruin it further.
What do you call any distance..1/2 mile? 200 yards or nothing. (suspect I know the answer).

If you're looking at bearings being without lubrication, ANY distance. I wouldn't want to move it ten yards, anything at all is going to drastically shorten the life of the bearings and obviously the further you go, the greater the chance they'll be so heavily worn they won't function even with the engine running.

[EDLT]

This sort of thing is usually in the owner's manual.

[davepoth]

Disconnect the driveshafts and it'll be fine. Shouldn't be a long job.

[Morningside]

I think as suggested that the shafts need removing.

Its being 'rescued' from a so-called mechanic who I think has caused more damage than original problem.

[Classic Grad 98]

Morningside said:

Ozzie Osmond said:

An auto box needs constant pumped lubrication if the vehicle is moving, otherwise it will be destroyed. So never tow an auto any distance unless you know the answer to how the gearbox oil pump is driven,

• If it's driven off the input shaft (i.e. the engine) you must not tow the car unless the engine is running.

• If it's driven off the output shaft (i.e. by the wheels) it's OK to tow the car.

They 'may' be able to start the car but the engine is very damaged and therefore running it could ruin it further.
What do you call any distance..1/2 mile? 200 yards or nothing. (suspect I know the answer).

Presumably the engine is being replaced then? what have you to lose? If it runs, drive it...

[wolf1]

Morningside said:

Yes, yes,yes I know! It will 'boil' the oil, screw up the torque converter, mash the gears.
And kill thousands of children and create the next nuclear winter.


BUT...
Towing an 02 plate Scenic auto. Possible at low speeds <25 and less than 10 miles.

Engine will NOT be running.

OK?

Just checked my recovery data and it states that it can be towed but the restrictions are no more than 15 mph and no further than 30 miles.

[Morningside]

wolf1 said:

Morningside said:

Yes, yes,yes I know! It will 'boil' the oil, screw up the torque converter, mash the gears.
And kill thousands of children and create the next nuclear winter.


BUT...
Towing an 02 plate Scenic auto. Possible at low speeds <25 and less than 10 miles.

Engine will NOT be running.

OK?

Just checked my recovery data and it states that it can be towed but the restrictions are no more than 15 mph and no further than 30 miles.

Thank you for that I will let her know.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Morningside said:

What do you call any distance..1/2 mile? 200 yards or nothing. (suspect I know the answer).

I would be surprised if a gentle half mile tow caused any difficulty. No promises.