>Having seen the results of really worn out thrust washers (that fell out into
>the pan) I'd have to again recommend putting the car in neutral and letting
>out the clutch. If you're willing to throw your block and crank away for the
>sake of using poor driving technique...
>
>Your clutch, hydraulics and throwout bearing will last longer also.
>
>Your choice.
>
>BTW I thought that the only time you were supposed to shift into 1st (or
>reverse) with a non-synchro transmission was after coming to a stop. So
>where does the 1st gear synchro get worn using my suggestion?
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Visit me at: http://members.aol.com/cwnicholls
>
>----------
>From: Tom Gentry [SMTP:TGENTR@wgc.woodward.com]
>Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 1997 1:28 PM
>To: 'triumphs'
>Subject: Thrust Washers
>
>Chris Nicholls said:
>>>Also, learn not to sit at trafficlights and stopsigns with the clutch
>>>pedal to the floor. That's how the thrustwashers get worn out in the
>>>first place. Put the gearbox in neutral and let the clutch out.
>
>The following is not intended as a flame of any sort, just an editorial
>comment:
>
>Putting the car in neutral and letting out the clutch at stoplights will
>trade wear of the thrustwashers (and throw-out bearing) for wear of the
>hydraulic cylinders, pedal mechanism, shifter, and first gear synchro.
>I won't even mention the wear on the fragile throw out bearing ford pin!
>(oops, I just did) If we really want to reduce wear of the
>thrustwashers maybe we should do clutchless shifting. When my slave
>cylinder blew out while at Elkhart Lake for a weekend, I even found I
>could start the car in first gear, so no clutch was needed to get
>moving. The return trip was REALLY easy on the thrust washer!
>
>I don't put the car in neutral at stoplights simply because I don't feel
>it's the proper way to drive. There are many things I could do to
>prevent wearing out parts, or all, of my car, including not driving it,
>but I say, drive it and maintain it. Besides, any wear I put on the car
>sitting at the traffic light is negligable compared to the wear the car
>gets when the light turns green =:-o
>
>I've said it before, our Triumphs are cars, and shouldn't be treated as
>pampered museum pieces. When I feel I have to start worrying about
>things like stoplight thrust washer wear my car will be for sale.
>
>OK, I think it's time for my medication now...
>
>Tom Gentry
>Life is too short to drive boring cars (or worry about thrustwashers)!
>
>
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