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Safe to Run Engine with Driveshaft Removed?


Basilius

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I'm doing some work on my truck and the one-piece driveshaft is currently removed from the manual transmission. Is it safe to run the engine with the driveshaft removed, or will it cause problems? I need to put air in my tires and the air compressor connects to the car battery, and the engine needs to be running.
 

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bobbywalter

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franklin2

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It will most likely throw oil all over the place if the driveshaft slips up inside the trans. I assume the trans has oil in it?
 

rusty ol ranger

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Basilius

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Yes the manual transmission currently has fluid in it, and the (removed) driveshaft slip yoke goes into the transmission.
 

fastpakr

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If the compressor connects to the battery, why does the engine need to be running?
 

rusty ol ranger

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Basilius

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If the compressor connects to the battery, why does the engine need to be running?
The air compressor will quickly drain the battery if the engine isn't running.
 

fastpakr

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How long are you planning on running it? Given that it's probably going to sling oil from the driveshaft slip joint, there's got to be a better option. Can you park another vehicle near the truck?
 

alwaysFlOoReD

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Put a plastic bag over the end of the trans to trap any oil. Use electricians tape to wrap around the bag to the trans.npull the bag tight, dont want any more space for oil than necesary.
 

dvdswan

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Sounds like a good excuse to buy a 60 gal shop compressor to me. (y)
 

bobbywalter

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Alwaysfloored has it nailed... bag it and run it.
 

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franklin2

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Whatever you do, it's going to make a mess. Been there, done that. When I did it the mess wasn't too bad, a bunch of oil speckles all over the frame and the floorboard underneath.
 

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