derek evans wrote:
>
~snip~
> does any one know whether the input shaft or the output shaft picks up the
> oil for the splashing? if its the input shaft then don't tow your car fast
> with the wheels on the ground as the input shaft won't be rotating. the
> output shaft will be rotating and the pilot bearing between the shafts might
> wear without any oil.
> anyone know more about this? am i worrying too much?
>
Derek (and others who've posed this question),
While rebuilding my (TR 250's) transmission last winter, I took time to study
how it worked. Among other discoveries, I determined how its lubrication system
worked.
The oil in the tranny sits in its sump, nearly covering the lay/counter shaft.
Whenever the engine is running (remember this point), and the clutch released,
the input shaft spins the "cluster" gear-and counter gears on the lay/counter
shaft.
For help here, refer to a parts catalouge for help visualizing this.
Oil is coating the lay/counter gears, and splash-lubricates things in the
tranny.
Additionally, all the main shaft gears have three holes drilled into them at
120 degree
angles (located in the valleys between individual teeth), that carry oil-
pressurized
from the meshing teeth (of the main & counter gears- which are both coated from
splash lub-
ication)- inward to the respective gear bushings. All three gear bushings, as
well as
the infamous "input needle bearing" are lubricated this way.
So, in conlusion, I feel flat towing a TR tranny (I don't know about Spitfire
tranny's) without
the engine running and the clutch released, WILL STARVE THE GEAR BUSHINGS, AND
THE INPUT
SHAFT NEDDLE BEARING OF LUBRICATING OIL. There will be a certain amount
residual oil left
on the shaft & bushings, but how long this sufficiently lubricates is anybody's
guess.
I personally suggest either disconecting the driveshaft or flatbed (by truck
or trailer)
towing for long distances at high speeds.
If you have any more questions, e-mail me,
JOE IV
TR 250
WALLINGFORD, CT. USA
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