Does a 1970s SEL automatic trans car need to have the drive line disconnected when being towed a long distance (30 miles)? The old GM Power Glides had a rear output shaft pump that circulated the oil for cooling and could be towed without disconnecting the drive shaft. The reason I am asking is that a guy delivered a parts car to me that was towed by the front but the trans is still working and it shows no signs of being overheated. It was low by 2 quarts on trans oil but it looks like the leak is coming from gaskets rather than seals. Does anyone have any special knowledge about this subject?

It's supposed to be towed on a flatbed at all times. If it can't be the driveline must be disconnected - fluid won't circulate and the tranny will overheat. The tranny most likely suffered damage that just isn't showing (yet). Is the fluid browner than normal?

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Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

Or rear lift it.

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With best regards

Al

The fluid was dark like used fluid but it was not brown/burned red. It was regular red, just dirty. I won't use that trans in the engine swap I'm doin. I will use the trans already in the target car.

The older Mercedes automatics have a rear pump, but how far/how fast they can be towed is still open for debate. According to my '72 250 owner's manual -
"The vehicle may be towed over short distances without jeopardizing the transmission if the selector lever is shifted to position "N" and the towing speed does not exceed 30 mph.

For towing the vehicle longer distances, or if the transmission is damaged, detach the propeller shaft from the rear axle."

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

I guess I should look it up to see if mine is an older version or not because the dirt on the tail shaft does not look cooked as it does with a Chev Turbo 350.

At any rate 30 miles should not be enough to cause a problem.

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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes