I have to go to my dad's to change the "washer" between the flywheel and the torque converter on a lift. If I stop every ten or so miles and start it then run it through the gears that should pump enough lube throughout it to keep it ok right? We will keep it pretty slow as well. I don't have a flatbed at my disposal but I own a dolly. Thanks, Paul

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http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/5...andbenzqj3.jpg1979 W123 300D Silver with Blue interior

I'm probably missing something - never used a tow dolly: Why not disconnect the flex disc at the differential & axle to disable the driveshaft. No worries, right?

You'll have to disconnect the driveshaft anyway to pull the trans. Is the seal leaking at the front pump?

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83 300d - 390k

I know for sure that you can safely tow all the W123 300D cars, I believe the owners manual says up to 50 miles. Those cars have transmission with a rear pump, which lubricates when towing and makes possible starting the engine
by towing.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

No higher than 30mph.

I would save the extra hour of drive time, and pull the rear flex disc and secure the driveshaft after pulling the car onto the dolly. three bolts, no worries.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Firend of mine towed his home once and just let the car idle the entire time. I towed my 500SEC home from NYC after disconnecting the driveshaft

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

I agree, then there will be no wear or potential damage to the trans at all.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Thanks. I know I should pull the shaft but I would have to do it on low ramps. I am trying to avoid this. I will keep it slow. I assume after searching that this is my problem. It seems the metal plate that holds the torque converter to the flywheel has cracked making a horrible knocking and metallic scraping sound from inside the bell housing. Paul

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http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/5...andbenzqj3.jpg1979 W123 300D Silver with Blue interior

I would avoid starting the engine as much as possible then, if you keep it slow, the rear pump should keep you lubed. If that flex plate is cracked & lets go, you'll have a mess, & it could potentially damage the crank.

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Chris
64 190D R.I.P.
80 240D W/617 engine -for sale
82 240D -for sale

Pull it backwards. Be sure the front wheels are straight and locked, 40miles with the rear wheels up and fronts pulling backwards is the way I'd do it. I did this with an SDL a month or so ago, worked great (about 20miles).

As others have mentioned, the manual allows pulling in neutral, but the maximum speed and distance MUST be obeyed to not damage the transmission.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Ditto. No need to disconnect the driveshaft, or to keep it under 30 mph...

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1984 300 Coupe TurboDiesel
Silver blue paint over navy blue interior
2nd owner & 2nd engine in an otherwise
99% original unmolested car
~210k miles on the clock

1986 Ford F250 4x4 Supercab
Charcoal & blue two tone paint over burgundy interior
Banks turbo, DRW, ZF-5 & SMF conversion
152k on the clock - actual mileage unknown

I would not tow with the rear wheels on the ground with the drive line connected AT ALL. Even if the manual says it is ok for short distances at low speeds is it really worth gambling the $2000 transmission? How likely is it that you will able to drive ANYWHERE under 30 MPH?

Get a flat bed and do it right.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Why not tow with the back on the ground and the engine idling?

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

I also agree with babymog, one word of caution however, it'll be a little "squerrly" with the weight of the engine back aft.
Just take it easy, she'll be fine.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

He took your advice, and it did not work out too well :
Towing DISASTER!!!

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine