to tow or not to tow an automatic

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Fri 16 Jun 2006 19:53
to tow or not to tow an automatic - rustbucket
Whats the opinion these days on towing a vehicle with an automatic transmision.Yaers ago it was advised to disconnect the prop shaft,not eay with a front wheel drive.The reason I ask is a friend who has a Rover ?? auto needs to get it to a garage to fix head gasket (K series engine)the garage said they would tow it.They do know its an automatic by the way.
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rustbucket (the original)
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Fri 16 Jun 2006 19:59
to tow or not to tow an automatic - rustbucket
PS should read "not easy with a front wheel drive".When he was rescued by the RAC he was outside the 10 mile radius to be delivered home so the nice RAC man said you drive home in your car with a blown head gasket & little or no water, probably in the sump and I will follow!!!!!
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rustbucket (the original)
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Fri 16 Jun 2006 20:03
to tow or not to tow an automatic - Armitage Shanks {p}
The driven wheels off the the ground seems to be best. There are then varying comments in the handbooks re distance and speed to tow and whether to add extra ATF or not. It is a minefield and could be expensive so stick to what the handbook for your car advises
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Fri 16 Jun 2006 20:11
to tow or not to tow an automatic - Hamsafar
It varies from car to car, so the handbook needs consulting.
They are only a few pounds from the dealers, except there are no Rover dealers these days!
Most say don't exceed a certain speed 40/50ish and don't go more than xx miles. This is because the pump is not turning so the fluid isn't circulating, so certain parts may be running without adequate fluid cushioning.
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Fri 16 Jun 2006 20:40
to tow or not to tow an automatic - Aprilia
Wouldn't let any auto of mine be towed with the driven wheels turning. Front wheels should be off the ground (on a 'dolly' or on a flat-bed).
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Fri 16 Jun 2006 22:22
to tow or not to tow an automatic - v8man
The old Rover SD1 manual couldn't be towed as the manual gearbox had a pump in it.
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\"Nothing less than 8 cylinders will do\"
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Fri 16 Jun 2006 22:59
to tow or not to tow an automatic - R40
except there
are no Rover dealers these days!



There are in fact hundreds still operating as Rover, or another manufacturer plus Rover, dealers :)

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Sat 17 Jun 2006 16:17
to tow or not to tow an automatic - Garethj
If you're really stuck then 30 miles at no more than 30mph was the Borg Warner rule of thumb, but drive wheels off the ground is safest, or on a low-loader recovery truck.
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