[TR] towing

[Mark J Bradakis]

Gary Nafziger wrote:
> Just wondering if anyone has flat towed an LBC any great distance?  
Define 'great'

Gee, this may have been discussed once or twice in the last decade or 
two ;-)

Many will say disconnect the driveshaft before towing.  The issue is the
gearbox.  When the motor is running with the gearbox in neutral the input
shaft is spinning the layshaft and flinging oil all over the place.  
When towing
just the maishaft is spinning.  The layshaft in the oil bath is not 
moving, not
spraying oil all over the place.  You run the risk of the mainshaft 
bearings and
bushings getting a little dry, overheating and wearing rapidly.

You can leave the driveshaft connected, but it makes fueling stops a bit 
longer.
When you stop to gas up the tow vehicle, fire up the towee and let it 
idle a bit
in neutral.  This will splash oil all over, enough to get the  gearbox 
safely to the
next fuel stop without burning up anything.

But one advantage of the disconnect approach is the speedo drive gear is not
turning, so the odometer is not racking up the miles.

mjb.