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        General >> Give/Need advice to/from others >> Auto diesel towing query
        
(Message started by: mijfife on Jan 1^st, 2008, 7:24pm)

Title: Auto diesel towing query
Post by mijfife on Jan 1^st, 2008, 7:24pm

Hi all and a very happy New Year :)

I've noticed that the 2.5TD Automatics are not recommended for towing, can anyone tell me why this is? Is the gearbox on the soft side or is there any other reason and can anything be done to over come this issue?

Cheers Jim

Title: Re: Auto diesel towing query
Post by Snoopy on Jan 1^st, 2008, 7:28pm

I understand that they have a tendacy to everheat when towing hard ... there is some documentation somewhere on the main site about fitting additional cooling.... IF I find it I will tell you , but I am sure others will find it before me .
NOthing at all to do with the gearbox AFAIK.

Title: Re: Auto diesel towing query
Post by Alastair on Jan 2^nd, 2008, 2:00pm

I think the rule of thumb with ford autos ( and those with a fairly good memory will remember that my car was towed several times last year) is no more than 30 miles at no more than 30mph.

Happy new year to all

Alastair

Title: Re: Auto diesel towing query
Post by mijfife on Jan 2^nd, 2008, 2:39pm

Thanks for the replies so far guys.
Snoopy, I've had a search but haven't found anything on extra gearbox cooling so far, hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.
Alastair, I was meaning towing with the Scorpio, not it actually being towed (do they break down that often then? ;)) I think all automatic cars can only be towed relatively short distances without doing damage.

Cheers Jim

Title: Re: Auto diesel towing query
Post by Snoopy on Jan 2^nd, 2008, 5:04pm

The first TSB is
Quote:

Section: 24

Model: Scorpio '92½ and '95¼ with 2,5 TCI diesel engine up to 7/96, (build code TD) inclusive

Markets: All

Subject: 2,5 TCI diesel engine overheating when towing, particularly when going uphill

Please make sure that the contents of this TSB are made clear to any customer who expresses concern about the 2,5 TCI diesel engine overheating.

Service Instruction

The 2,5 TCI diesel engine in the Scorpio reaches its highest torque at an engine speed of 2200 rev/min. Higher engine speeds are not necessary for towing or going uphill, and should be avoided for the following reasons:

l Higher fuel consumption

l The Scorpio with 2,5 TCI diesel engine has an electric cooling fan. The cooling achieved is therefore independent of the engine speed. At higher engine speeds the engine reaches a much higher temperature than at lower engine speeds. Driving with high or excessively high engine speeds therefore makes unnecessary demands on the cooling system.

Therefore always drive in the highest possible gear when towing, particularly when going uphill. Always change to the next highest gear before the engine speed reaches 3000 rev/min.

When driving up hills which are steeper than 8%, the following vehicle speeds should not be exceeded:

- 1st gear 18 mph (30 km/h)

- 2nd gear 30 mph (50 km/h)

TSB 66/1994 refers to additional cooling for the model as well , I will send the TSB to your email address as a PDF
Others who tow may well give you MORE info than I have regarding towing

Title: Re: Auto diesel towing query
Post by Highlander on Jan 2^nd, 2008, 5:51pm

Hi Jim, the auto diesel is quite a rare beast and was only available at the very end of production so if you're still looking for an early model diesel engine it'll be a manual ;)

Title: Re: Auto diesel towing query
Post by mijfife on Jan 2^nd, 2008, 8:17pm

Thanks for digging out the TSB, Snoopy, much appreciated and I got the email okay.

Hi Highlander, just like to keep my options open and wondered why the auto wasn't recommended for towing. I know the diesel auto is quite rare but I did see a couple for sale down south when I first started looking so thought I'd better find out if it would suit my needs. I don't do a lot of towing anyway but I like a towbar on the car to pull my folding caravan :) It's light enough to tow behind the Imp so shouldn't cause too many problems I guess ;D
My insurance company have said they wouldn't have a problem with a twin tank system for the veg oil so that would let me consider a later Scorp, should one come up. Still looking............ ::)

Cheers Jim