MikeCardiff

iTrader: (2)

Noticed this mentioned on posts, and in the handbook, that you are supposed to hold the clutch in when starting the car.

Just wondered why this was, and what difference it makes, and does it matter if you dont do it ?

Havent come across doing this on other cars or bikes, so curious as to the reasons.

BLACK V5

Only reason i can think is just in case its left in gear.

Kevin Groat

It's no different to any other car......although there may be a few folks on here that will tell you different. Do a search on PSLewis threads for the full story

p.s. had my STi for 6 yrs now and have probably never started it with the clutch engaged

finnie

Less load on starter as you aren't having to turn over gearbox too. I never start car without clutch in, just an automatic reaction for me.

MadGrip

I drive an Evo 7 and the car wont start unless the clutch is in. never knew why mitsi made them like that though

R25 sti

my version 6 wont start unless clutch is depressed.

MikeCardiff

iTrader: (2)

Mines a 98 classis UK model, and the handbook says to do it - I did think maybe it was so the starter motor isnt under so much load when you start, but assuming the car is in neutral, then didnt think the difference would be that much.

Glad to know its not going to blow anything up though.

Also thought of the 'left in gear' reason - my driving instructor used to do this to make sure I always checked I was in neutral before starting the engine - git - I knew I'd left it in neutral when I parked, but he'd slip it into first.

pmarch

I have pressed the clutch pedal down when starting all my previous cars. It's supposed to reduce the friction and load in starting the engine, and saves the battery a bit.

My Triumph Acclaim and Primera owner manuals both suggested doing the same.

Again, the good suggestion from BlackV5 is that if you accidently forget you have left it in gear (when for instance you have parked on a hill) this will prevent that embarrasing moment.

Graz

Always do it, as mentioned firstly a safety precaution that the car isn't still in gear and secondly you aren't turning over parts of the gearbox so less load on the starter.

Caught my brother out when it was his turn to drive a hire car we had in Oz (some Nissan effort IIRC), couldn't get it started and took him a while to figure out you had to press the clutch down. It hadn't noticed this feature myself as I do always depress the clutch.

jasonius

iTrader: (1)

Leaving a car in gear and starting with the clutch in should be instinctive (sp?) IMHO..!

Do you guys yank the handbrake on too or press the button in whilst lifting..?

pmarch

I press the button whilst lifting.

ustolemyname??stevieturbo

iTrader: (1)

I would never start an engine with the clutch in unless it was absolutely necessary.
Dry thrust bearings every time, until they have oil is good enough reason not to.

I would image that clause is for idiots, in much the same way you cant start an auto unless its in park/neutral.

MikeCardiff

iTrader: (2)

Thanks all for the various views - I admit I had never heard of it or noticed anyone I know doing it.

I do always check its in neutral before starting the engine though as I got into the habit when learning to drive/

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

It puts strain on the starter motor if you dont put the clutch in, and if you see where the starter motor is, you wouldnt want to change it on a scoob!
Plus the safety aspect of it.

Tony

messiah

Have always started the car with the clutch in - I was just taught to do it when I was taking lessons all those years ago...

Jay m A

iTrader: (2)

Can you explain the mechanics behind the thust bearing being dry if you start with the cluch in, as opposed to (I assume) wet if you start with the cluch out? Considering the car has the clutch out whilst not running (say, standing overnight), and is only depressed for a few seconds whilst starting - I wouldn't have thought it would have made much difference?

Thanks

ustolemyname??stevieturbo

iTrader: (1)

When you push your foot on the clutch, it also forces the crank forward, or indeed rearwards in the case of a Subaru with a pull type clutch. There are thrust bearings to locate the crank, to stop fore and aft movement.
With the engine running, they have an oil supply.

With the engine stopped, they dont. it probably doesnt make much of a difference. But me knowing they arent getting oil, is enough reason not to do it.

Jay m A

iTrader: (2)

Thanks, makes sense (now).

Houghton

iTrader: (1)

I always thought this to be a throw back from years ago so never done it. Assuming the Scooby gearbox is similar to others, then the only part being rotated by the engine is the input or 1st motion shaft. This is supported by 3 bearings, 2 of which are sitting in g/box oil, therefore the drag is fairly minimal.

Balance that against the effort required to depress the clutch pedal against the release bearing and the crank being pushed against the thrusts and there's bugger all in it, so it can hardly be saving the starter motor.

IMO

ustolemyname??stevieturbo

iTrader: (1)

There is no way it would put extra strain on the starter. Spinning a few gears is a lot easier than turning an engine !!!!!

Starter on a Sub is pretty easy to change, but they rarely give bother anyway.

Houghton

iTrader: (1)

Is that aimed at my comment?

ustolemyname??stevieturbo

iTrader: (1)

It is a little. Im just saying they arent that difficult to change, esp compared to many fwd type cars.

It may look a little daunting, but its easy enough to get at.

pwhittle

Always used to leave cars in gear (except the time I parked an Uno on a steep hill, and ended up chasing after it), but it's a bit more difficult with a turbo timer...

RON

I've had mine for 5 1/2 years, and have NEVER started the car with the clutch in, i always check that it's in neutral. and would have thought that there's as much friction involved with the clutch in, as there is in turning the input shaft in the box, remember, it's only the input shaft, as no gear is selected!