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Old 02-04-2013, 12:10 AM   #83 (permalink)
some_other_dave
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Manual transmissions will have the output shaft spinning when the vehicle is moving, clutch in or clutch out. And since all manuals that I know of are constant-mesh, the gear sets will always be spinning as well. Splash-lubricated transmissions will be lubricated by the movement of the gears. If the transmission is lubricated by pumped oil, and the pump is driven off the output shaft, it will still pump. If it is driven off the input shaft, that could be a problem.

If you check in the owner's manual for your car, it should say whether or not your car can be "flat towed", towed with all four wheels on the ground. If it can, then you are fine coasting with the engine off. If it cannot, then your transmission is likely to be damaged by coasting much without the engine running.

-soD
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