[Vwdiesel] Tow-starting the vw diesel

[Sandy Cameron]

At 11:14 PM 25/07/2007 -0500, you wrote:
>Why only 4th gear? I usually use 2nd on our very long drive cause that gives
>me more revolutions for that amount of drive length. I've never had an issue
>with it. It seems to do an excellent job. Is there something I'm missing?
>


Its the transmission.

Bump starting (towing) the vw diesel is a great way to make an end run
around air leaks in the fuel supply, low compression,  due to fuel wash-down
of cylinder oil, long time storage in the weeds, etc.

The reason for using fourth gear is the fragility of the gearbox. The high
compression of the diesel engine (compared to a gasser) puts extra strain on
the gear box. 
The 5th gear design is a flimsy add- on  overdrive to the sturdy former
rabbit 4 speed box, and might be damaged by the strain of turning over the
engine. They seem to strip easily if deprived of lubrication for a short time.

Lower gears result in too much step-up of the torque required to get the
engine rotating, and cause severe strain on the drive axels and gear box.

4th is the best compromise, resulting in nearly 1-1 ratio, and using
components inside the box (!) that are strong and well made. The 5th gear is
an appendage on the back end of the box, and because it is a low ratio
"overdrive" is lightly made, and poorly lubricated compared to the lower
gears in the main part of the box, not intended to handle a lot of torque.

Gears lower than 4th place an unusual strain on the gear teeth (I once broke
teeth off the 2nd gear in a 36 chev tow-starting it) .

So that is why I recommend 4th for tow-starting the VW diesel.

Sandy