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MG MGA - Towing MGA on a dolly

Hello everyone,
If you were to tow an MGA with stock 4 speed gearbox, oh say 3,000 miles to Whistler BC, on one of those dollies with the rear wheels rolling, should the driveshaft be removed? I am wondering whether some of the gears and shafts in the gearbox will still spin, and not get lubricated properly.

Ralph
Ralph

Ralph,

Barney Gaylord has an article on this at:

http://www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/gearbox/gt201.htm

However, he has some words of caution for long distances.
Towing 3,000 miles is getting outside the confidence range.
For the few minutes it takes to remove the driveshaft, that would be good insurance.
I would not tow it 3,000 miles with the driveshaft connected.
If it is the later type gearbox and driveshaft remember to get the front spline aligned correctly when refitting.
See image attached. A and B must be in the same vertical plane when viewed front to rear along the shaft.


Mick


Mick Anderson

Before the religious wars start, yes you can tow an MGA with the propshaft connected, as long as there is oil in the gearbox at the proper fill level. There is an oil pump (the illusive looking thing often called spacer or spool) on the output shaft that works any time the propshaft is turning in the forward direction. Oil flow gets to the pump inlet by splash and graviry. Oil flow from the pump lubricates the bronze bushings and spigot needle bearing on the mainshaft.

For everything you ever wanted to know about MGA gearbox lubrication, see here: http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/gearbox/gt201.htm
Barney Gaylord

I tow dolly my car to racing events and always disconnect the drive shaft. Why risk failure when it only takes 15 minutes to disco and connect? Make sure you mark your flanges.
j
JohnB

I have towed my MGA (1600 coupe) over 2,00 miles on a tow dolly with the drive shaft disconnected but not removed. The universal flange can be unbolted from the differential. With this removed, the drive shaft can be slid slightly forward and then tied in a forward position(secured, fastened, etc) to prevent it from dropping or sliding back. This can be done from inside the car by removing the battery cover. No sliding under the car. No leaky transmission tail section.

I'm sure that a more secure bracket could be fabricated for those skeptical of rope and such.

It can be done, at least on a 1600. I'm not sure if the 1500 can be done in the same manner.

Chuck
Chuck Schaefer

This thread was discussed on 25/06/2007

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