[TR] Flat towing a TR3

[dave northrup]

Too risky

-----Original Message-----
From: Triumphs <triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net> On Behalf Of Mark Bradakis
Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2023 8:18 AM
To: triumphs at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [TR] Flat towing a TR3

On 10/28/23 4:58 PM, Frank Fisher wrote:
> enlighten me as to why one would have to disconnect the driveshaft.
> 
> inquiring minds need to know

Lubrication.  With the motor not running, the laygear is not splashing oil all around.  If you take a transmission with the top cover off and turn the mainshaft, you will see that only the mainshaft turns.  And it is way above the oil level.  So the rear and middle bearings get no oil while flat towing a car with the driveshaft connected.  And a bearing spinning with no lubrication is not long for this world.

But if every time the tow vehicle stops for gas, you can start the motor and let if idle in neutral for a few minutes.  That will turn the input shaft, which will turn the layshaft, which will fling oil EVERYWHERE in the box, thus lubricating the bearings and keeping them happy.

mjb.

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