What about towing an Automatic transmission? I have heard that you are not supposed to do that. I need to tow my 81 300D about 3 miles.

Josh

You do have a secondary pump in that car, so you will be OK at low speeds in the Neutral position. I would not do it unless you have to though because it is dangerous. DO NOT PUT IT IN GEAR WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING!! THE ENIGNE WILL START ROTATING BECAUSE OF THE SECONDARY PUMP...

Thanks Benzmac,

Is it dangerous for the engine or for my own personal safety? I live way out in the country, and will be towing partially on dirt roads.

Josh

Bill,

I consider the secondary pump (and the ability to roll start because of it) a great feature in my car. I'm disappointed to hear that it didn't work for you. Was it that the engine didn't go into gear and turn over or did the engine fail to start once it was turning over?

Having often used this technique on standard shift vehicles I always considered not being able to do this a big disadvantage in an automatic. Of course MB solved the problem. :)

I have a funny one about roll starting cars. I used to own a 78 Fiat Spyder. The starter went out, and I was broke. I roll started that car for over a month. I bet I looked like an idiot.

Josh,

Don't worry about towing an automatic this distance. Three miles is not enough distance to do damage as long as you keep the speed down to < 15 mph. Stop and let it rest (cool-down) about half way if you are worried about it too much.

Q,

Been there done that. I can't believe how good I got at finding inclined park places. Didn't need much. And your right sure did look funny doing it alone. Running along with the door open and jumping in. Oh my, sure doesn't sound safe :)

You can start the car like this, I was just warning that the engine WILL come alive above speeds of 25mph if in D. So if it had engine damage, well, you know.

I used to start my Karmann Ghia with a screwdriver in a dress in the rain....for years it seemed. The starter is in front of the engine, and I was on the ground(never touching the ground), just in front of the rear right wheel. Not a pretty sight.

My old MGB once split the battery, it dies on me on the way home, but I managed to have enough juice to roll start it and get it barely home. went and bought a new battery of course.. hehe all was good.

Alon