Staghound Hydramatic Transmission Question

[marco]

Hello Malcolm,

The transmission oil pressure warning lights were used in Staghounds build after mid-April 1943, the first one being Ordnance Serial 554.
Before that, these warning lights were not used.
The lights only have a warning function and are not wired in other electrical circuits like in the Chaffee.

In the Staghound the lights are useful however when the car has to be reversed.
Reversing a Staghound with only one engine running will damage the transmission of the stalled engine.
With a headset on, it is difficult to hear if both engines are running but the lights enable the driver to visually check that both engines are running before shifting in reverse and actually starting to reverse the car.

Stag engine idling speed should not be above 600rpm, preferably 500rpm, otherwise shifting the transmissions in reverse at least produces some frightening noises or just isn’t possible at all.
This low engine idling speed gives an extra risk of a stalling engine, especially when not warmed up thoroughly.

Marco