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Edward · Alfa 33 Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Posts: 307 Location: Bristol

Help,

Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of towing a P4. Paul suggested to me that it wasn't a good idea and can damage the car. My friendly Alfa repair shop said it shouldn't be to much of a problem over short distances at low speeds as there is no LSD to wind the gearbox / cause normal problems that most P4 cars would suffer from.

Ultimately ( o.k. I admit it ) I had to tow the car because it had to be moved. There wasn't time to disconnect the drive (prop) shaft etc.

I know you shouldn't tow automatic cars - but don't know why either?? but have I damaged my new, lovely P4 and turned it into a P2 by doing so?? I can't run the car as I bought it with the cam belt gone on one head. That's the easy part to fix.

Any comments / checks would be greatfully received.

Edward.
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The faster the better.

tvatavuk · Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2003 1:03 pm Post subject: Re: Towing a P4?

Hi Edward.

If you towed it without turning on ignition (contact at least since you don't have working engine) then 4x4 wasn't engaged and there shouldnt be any problem,
With 4x4 engaged (when lights on instrument panel light up) then that was not a good idea (unless of corse 4x4 warning light was ON indicating 4x4 failure/ disconnected) because in that case el coupling in gearbox was engaged and you could have problems with it or gearbox/diff.
When you must tow P4, you should disconnect 4x4 (remove fuse from 4x4 relay under bonnet), same goes when you need to do MOT rear brake testing on rolling ground.
Cam belt gone on one head still might produce heavy damage on engine.

Tino
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Tino Vatavuk
Little black dress which replaced Alfa Romeo 33 S 16v Permanent 4 GMo

Guest · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2003 8:26 am Post subject:

Thanks Tino,

I had to turn the ignition switch to disengage the steering lock, but as the battery was totally flat and absolutely nothing was coming on then I guess that the 4x4 was disengaged. So that I suggest is good news, although as I was being towed along I did hear what seemed to be a remote rumbling from what I would guess was around the rear differential, that started after a while but then went away again after a few minutes. This was a sound that I have never heard with all my many 2 wheel drive cars (33's) and over the many years of 33 ownership I thought I had heard all possible noises, squeeks, groans and strange rumblings that were possible. So I thought it was something particular to the 4x4 transmission. I guess only time and a new engine will tell for sure.

Regarding the engine - I have a spare 16v which I will drop in as I suggest it is not worth the effort to repair the broken one when I have a spare sitting around taking up space.

Thanks for the advice.

Edward.

tvatavuk · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2003 2:21 pm Post subject:

0. you can unlock wheel, without giving ignition on 33.
If 4x4 was disengaged, remote rumbling could be from engine mounts not proprely installed (propshaft not aligned). You should felt shaking.
But P4 are know to produce rumbling/grinding noise from reardiscs covers, or sticking callipers.
Any way check oil level in rear diff, or even replace oil with new.
Once you have it running P4 has to have all 4 tires same (and preferably factory size. 185/60/14).

Tino
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Tino Vatavuk
Little black dress which replaced Alfa Romeo 33 S 16v Permanent 4 GMo