At 05:42 PM 4/21/97 -0500, you wrote:
>
>>
>>Do you guys with 'ordinary' automatics try to guess when it is about to
>>change gear and back off till it has? Or just leave the foot where it
>>is and let the gearbox get on with it? Isn't the MG O/D constructed to
>>the same principle?
>>
>>PaulH.
>>(Still trying to catch up)
>
>Yes Paul, exactly the same principle and operation. I thought the same
>thing when reading the posts, but apparently that fact was overlooked. I
>was afraid of being flamed for stating the obvious, but since you said it
>first, I will stand behind you (hopefully you will block enough of the
>flames from reaching me) : )
>
>Chad
>'72 B Daily Driver w/O/D and w/o a bit of concern about engaging or
>disengaging....
>
. . . except that an automatic has a fluid coupling (torque converter)
which absorbs some of the shock from trying to force the engine to slow down
to match the higher gear ratio. Your O/D only has those diddly little
friction plates on the planetary carrier. Guess what wears out after too
many full-throttle engagements? (The main clutch -- under your left foot --
won't slip enough to take up the difference). So, on moderate acceleration,
I'd let the 'box get on with it. Under hard acceleration, back off when
engaging for longer O/D life. My .02
Mark Moburg
markmoburg@mindspring.com
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