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By Gary Shannon on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - 09:08 pm:I know from numerous threads that a model T should never be towed but what if you have a breakdown less than 5 miles from home and you have no trailer. Can I tow it with a properly attached tow bar at a speed under 10 mph for a short distance without damaging the running gear? Should the transmission be in neutral or high and should the plugs be removed.
By Doug Money on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - 09:15 pm:In high with the plugs removed.
By Norman T. Kling on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - 09:50 pm:You can do that in high with the plugs removed if the engine and transmission turn. I have had a breakdown where it locked up and you couldn't push it or drive it. Had to jack up one rear wheel on a rolling jack and winch it up onto the trailer.
Norm
By Jem Bowkett on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 02:53 am:I had a crankshaft snap so the engine locked. Had to emergency flat tow about 5 miles. When I stripped it all down there ware definite signs of overheating at the 4th main.
I have heard it said you could avoid that by overfilling the engine with oil, but I don't usually carry a full extra gallon with me. In fact I suspect it takes maybe 2 gallons to bring the level up to the 4th main.
By Ricks - Surf City on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 08:15 am:I'd like to know if anybody has really towed with the plugs removed, and how it sounds.
By Doug Money on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 09:24 am:HAHA Ricks, it probably sounds like a big air compressor following you.
By Ricks - Surf City on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 10:01 am:If just one plug is missing, and the car is running, it sound like gunshots. Dunno about all four.
By Gary Shannon on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 11:58 am:Thanks all. It appears that it's o.k. to tow in high with the plugs removed IF not locked up and only for a short distance at under 10 mph. As Ricks inquired, I'd also like to know if anyone has done this.
By leefrostpierce on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 02:06 pm:When I was stupid I towed my T 100 miles on the ground WHEN I stopped the oil was boiling After I got home I pulled the cover plate The clutch spring had lost its temper The heat came from the bronze clutch ring as there was no oil being thrown on it to cool it [The spring is compressed when the lever is in neutral] I did change the spring in the car At the time I didnt know you couldnt do it It was a job This was 28 yrs ago I have a 1912 now that drives its self
By bill leahy on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 03:12 pm:i have towed a number of model t's on a tow dolly. i remove the plugs, add an extra 2 quarts of oil and put the car in high. i keep the speed to under 20mph and tow only for a few miles between garages. i have never had a problem doing so. it sounds like the car is running through the rear sliding window of my truck.
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