The Free Wheeling device was used by SAAB to reduce wear on the
2-stroke engine. As SAAB explained it in the owner handbook, when the
throttle is closed the engine receives only the fuel needed for idle
speed. Since the lubrication was by means of oil mixed in the fuel, if
the throttle is closed at highway speed the amount of oil reaching the
cylinders is reduced. The free wheeling allowed the engine to drop to
idle speed, while the car coasted.
That meant that there was no engine braking, of course. SAAB
recommended that for driving in deep snow one should disengage the free
wheeling (there was a lever on the firewall in the footwell for this).
Free wheeling became unnecessary when SAAB changed to 4-stroke engines,
though the model 96 cars equipped with the Ford V4 engine did still have
it. 2-stroke engines with oil injection would not need it either.
In the 1930s, some Detroit iron had free wheeling. Chrysler Airflow,
for one, was so equipped. Imagine driving one of those tanks, down hill,
no engine braking, and shrouded drum brakes attempting valiantly to slow
the progress.
Bob
On Mon, 4 Dec 2000 16:28:41 -0600 martens@auditor.sk.ca writes:
> Here is a place to look. http://www.saabnet.com
>
> My uncle had one of these for several years. Biggest complaint was
> something to do with "free-wheeling" ?? hub or somesuch part of the
> transaxle. As I recall (very fuzzy) it required the car to have the
> engine
> pulled too often for his liking. I think it was for ....a clutch
> job.
>
> They are a fairly odd duck. You'll be the only one in town with one,
> probably.
>
> Andrew
> 73MGB
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