mgs
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: To clutch or not to clutch

To: mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: To clutch or not to clutch
From: David Councill <dcouncil@imt.net>
Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 11:13:28 -0700
>Have a question for you all.
>Ever since I started driving, I have always stepped upon the clutch before
>starting the engine.  I was taught, and it makes sense, that the starter
>doesn't need the extra work of dragging the transmission gears around, when
>it is starting the engine.
>When I bought my '71 B, my mechanic stopped me and said that he has always
>found the engine cranks over faster if the clutch is NOT depressed. ???!!!
>Comments on this?


On my MGs, I never depress the clutch when cranking the engine. There has 
never been a need. The only exception is on my 74 Toyota Landcruiser, with 
its 90w gear oil. If its cold out (single digits or less in degrees F) and 
the engine cranks slowly initially, then I depress the clutch and that 
helps it turn over faster. At 30 below, I have to depress the clutch and 
keep it pressed in after the car starts until the oil has warmed enough to 
let it out (the car will die instantly otherwise).

But I've never had that problem with my MGs so why do it. Oddly enough, 
this has been the warmest Montana winter I have ever experienced - the 
coldest it has been here is 7 degrees, not even cold enough to make the BGT 
seat foam hard (that happens at about 4-5 degrees, turns rock hard).


David
67 BGT
71 BGT (owner since 1983)



<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>