Jim Tencate asked about towing his TR-6: Should he rent a tow
dolly? Should he disconnect the driveshaft?
Jim's concern probably stems from the recommendation for TR-7/8
owners whose gearboxes require a steady flow of lubricating oil via
the internal oil pump that doesn't work when the car is being
pulled with the gearbox in neutral (and, of course with the
engine off). Such is not the case for the earlier TRs as they
aren't (or at least I've not heard of any probblems yet) prone
to problems because of towing and a lack of lubrication. I suspect
that's because there aren't the same types of internal bearings
involved. I've towed my TR-3 (flat towed) several thousand
miles without disconnecting the driveshaft with no bad
consequences. I've towed many other TRs the same way.
If concerned, then certainly disconnect the driveshaft. You
could also, leave the driveshaft connected and periodically just
start the engine in neutral and that'll sling oil around as the
input shaft and countershaft (and their companion mainshaft
gears) all turn and splash the oil. Jim didn't say how far the
TR-6 would be towed, but I can say that rather than damage to the
TR-6, the use of a tow dolly makes manuevering around corners
much easier than flat towing.
Cheers,
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Bill Sohl (K2UNK) BELLCORE (Bell Communications Research, Inc.)
Morristown, NJ email via UUCP bcr!cc!whs70
201-829-2879 Weekdays email via Internet whs70@cc.bellcore.com
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