ryoung

My impression is that the torque converter stays locked a higher percentage of the time in TIP mode than in Auto. Since the torque converter is the transmission's weak link, I assume it would be preferable to avoid Auto when pulling a heavy load.

A8CT

that's what it sounds like based on the smell you describe

PaulW

Obviously fluid came out of them. It was either gear lube (which is in two places on the transmission, one on the rear end) or ATF coming out of the vent.

Gear lube has that particular smell to it....have it topped off on the final drive at the aft end of the transmission at least, I would do the final drive - rear also, getting to the final drive - front is a little harder.

Funny that your son wants an old van and had it shipped from the US.

Curious, how much for the van, and how much for the shipping and importing? Does anything have to be certified for registration to UK spec?<ul><li><a href="http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/auto_transmission/Transmissionfluidcheckingrev1.pdf">Checking the fluid levels, you'll need a lift</a></li></ul>

ivans A8

And if I had such a gorgeous S8 - forget it. Chevy 2500 with Duramax is the right tool for the job.

-OvO-

I've towed plenty of heavy stuff on a bicycle, and I have developed a good intuitive understanding of the forces involved. You really appreciate it when you're using a 1/8 HP motor, and the torque converters in your knees are 40 years old...

There isn't much force involved once you get the load up to speed, it's the acceleration that kills you. I would think that the maximum weights cited by Audi are for stability and handling reasons, not drivetrain stress. As long as the trailer has its own brakes, the heavier load is probably less troublesome than a lighter, unbraked trailer would be. I would use Tip mode, shift late, try not to shift going up hills, and back off the throttle while shifting, but I wouldn't think that towing would put any more strain on the transmission than any other form of "spirited driving". My various high-speed runs probably stressed the transmission as much as this. Jumping on the throttle and downshifting to third under load in order to pull out and pass must hurt the TC just as much as getting an extra ton rolling.

GrrrA8

<ul><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.de/Anhaengerkupplung-AUDI-A8-S8-Abnehmbar-Bj-94-03_W0QQitemZ8032845390QQcategoryZ76107QQrdZ1QQcmdZ ViewItem">clickey</a></li></ul>

GrrrA8

<ul><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.de/Anhaengerkupplung-Audi-A8-S8-Baujahr-94-2002-abnehmbar_W0QQitemZ8034434007QQcategoryZ76107QQrdZ 1QQcmdZViewItem">go here</a></li></ul>

ryoung

You're absolutely correct.

The maximum MAF I ever measured with my S8 was 253 g/sec at Mid-Ohio. Assume that's 360 hp [Since I doubt that I caught the absolute maximum, it's probably somewhat less the 360 hp.]

At a steady 63 mph, MAF is 28 g/sec. Since HP is proportional to MAF, that says a maximum of 40 hp is required to maintain a constant 63 mph, which isn't much stress. As long as your recommendations are followed, most of the increased load from towing a trailer would come from increased aero drag.

And that tranny output seal failed on my S8 at about 15,000 miles. It's a very common failure.

Dan McBoost

... would you mind sending me some high resolution versons of those pics? I love to cataloge A8 pics, and those are a few needles in the hay stack ( rare pics of D2s towing things).

Email is: DanMac@ma70.com

Thanks.


PS, I would love to vist the UK sometime, it looks beautiful in all of the top gears...

tozoM8

I've towed everything with that thing. With the Audi you need to use tiptronic so at least you have some control over that mess that Audi calls advanced shifting program. Around 200 different shifting program, LOL. It should be 3 Economy-standard-sport.