Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: tunnie on 09 March 2016, 20:58:42

Title: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: tunnie on 09 March 2016, 20:58:42
Since my 2.2 is a manual, I'm assuming it can be towed with front wheels off the ground?

It's only the autos which need to be towed with rear wheels off the ground?
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: 05omegav6 on 09 March 2016, 21:04:17
Since my 2.2 is a manual, I'm assuming it can be towed with front wheels off the ground?

It's only the autos which need to be towed with rear wheels off the ground?
No matter as long as it's in neutral. :y
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: tunnie on 09 March 2016, 21:11:32
Ta. Thought even in Netural there were limits on towing an auto?
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: Steve B on 09 March 2016, 21:12:36
Expecting your HG to go on you soon then tunnie  ;D ;D ;D

I thought you cannot tow the auto too..unless driven wheels off ground  :-\
Or propshaft in the boot  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: Andy B on 09 March 2016, 21:16:35
.....

I thought you cannot tow the auto too..unless driven wheels off ground  :-\
Or propshaft in the boot  ;D ;D

You can tow an auto at speeds up to about 50 mph for about 30 miles IIRC ....... it'll be in the manual  ::)
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: zirk on 09 March 2016, 21:17:05
Ta. Thought even in Netural there were limits on towing an auto?
Recommended for the Omega is about 50mph, 60 max with the back wheels grounded and in Neutral of course.
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: Steve B on 09 March 2016, 21:20:14
So if you done it in drive..Does it at some point try to bump start
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: Nick W on 09 March 2016, 21:27:58
Ta. Thought even in Netural there were limits on towing an auto?


There are, both speed and distance, but they are very vague. You'll get different answers depending who you ask. It's best not to tow an auto at all.
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: Nick W on 09 March 2016, 21:30:06
So if you done it in drive..Does it at some point try to bump start


If you start in neutral and put it in drive at exactly the right speed, then theoretically it will bump start. No, I have no idea what that speed actually is! Yes, you are more likely to break something expensive.
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: 05omegav6 on 09 March 2016, 21:36:30
So if you done it in drive..Does it at some point try to bump start


If you start in neutral and put it in drive at exactly the right speed, then theoretically it will bump start. No, I have no idea what that speed actually is! Yes, you are more likely to break something expensive.
The old Ford C3 box can be bump started... After towing for a mile or so at 40mph...* As Andy B would say, it's in the manual...


Only do this if a) the body work is less than mint, and b) you use a long tow rope (30ft should do it) and c) if you ignore b) ensure that the tow car is disposable. :-X
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: TheBoy on 10 March 2016, 16:56:56
Since my 2.2 is a manual, I'm assuming it can be towed with front wheels off the ground?

It's only the autos which need to be towed with rear wheels off the ground?
No restrictions on manual. Auto has restrictions due to overheating ATF, and possible plate wear.
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: TheBoy on 10 March 2016, 16:57:21
Not that the question is relevant now, of course.
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: tunnie on 10 March 2016, 17:03:33
Not that the question is relevant now, of course.

Indeed.  >:(
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: Andy H on 10 March 2016, 18:37:39
Since my 2.2 is a manual, I'm assuming it can be towed with front wheels off the ground?

It's only the autos which need to be towed with rear wheels off the ground?
No restrictions on manual. Auto has restrictions due to overheating ATF, and possible plate wear.
Auto box is lubricated by ATF circulated by the (engine driven) oil pump.

I have always assumed that if you could get the engine to idle then the distance restriction wouldn't apply (plus you would have working lights, brakes and power steering ;-) )

Most of the heat is generated in the torque converter so I can't see towing being able to heat up the ATF :-\
Title: Re: Towing Manual Omega
Post by: Kevin Wood on 10 March 2016, 20:34:55
Yep, that's true. With the engine idling you can tow them as far and as fast as you like.

I suspect you'd just have to run it for a minute or two every so often. The issue is that fluid doesn't circulate to the output end of the box unless the input end is turning, so the bearings eventually dry out and die.