21 replies to this topic

[Miniminx71]

I can't remember why I started doing it, but since my first Mini back in the early 80's I've always started the car with the clutch fully depressed. Something to do with the gearbox but way too long ago to recall. Anyway, I've just been told by a total stranger that came up to chat that I shouldn't do it as I could seriously damage the car! I've never had any damage issues but got me wondering. Clutch in or out when starting or does it make no difference?

[Fast Ivan]

clutch out. clutch in puts load on the crank thrusts before the oil has started circulating.

[Gremlin]

People used to say clutch in because it means the starter doesn't have to turn over the gearbox in the thick oil, but as Rob Mac says, it puts massive forces on the crank thrust washers and there'll be no/not a lot of oil in there, you're not going to destroy your engine quickly doing it but doing every time you do it wont be doing it a lot of good

[Ethel]

I'd agree with that.

 

There arguments for clutch in, less work in spinning part of the gearbox & an extra precaution against it being in gear, but if you want to help your engine last another 15 odd years....

[Miniminx71]

Even starting in neutral?

[Gremlin]

How do you mean? Even when it's in neutral it still turns the gearbox? Yes. not as much as if you were in a gear but still a lot, only the mainshaft and diff that doesn't move

[Miniminx71]

So, consensus is, clutch out is best? Going to have to re-train my brain and left foot!

[Gremlin]

Clutch out is best, if it struggles to start with clutch out, make sure your starter system is all in good condition

[Gremlin]

Double post sorry

Edited by Gremlin, 25 June 2014 - 12:58 PM.

[6joshh6]

I always start the car clutch in, means if someone has left it in gear there is no chance of it flying forward and injuring someone or damaging the car. I seriously doubt that the thrust washers would be completely devoid of oil providing the car is in regular use, and I doubt that you would gain much engine life from starting it with the clutch out. Most modern cars recommend you have the clutch down to start the car and some won't start without the clutch being down. 

[Ethel]

Most of a gearbox turns in neutral, you only get drive out of it when one of the gears is locked to the mainshaft, turning it to turn the final drive. The  lay gear and the gear hubs (not just the speed you selected) all turn along with the input (aka 1st motion) shaft if the clutch connects them to a turning engine. You can add a Mini's transfer gears to that list too.

 

 

Josh,

 

I don't think it would take very long at all for the oil to leave a spinning crank thrust, but you're probably right it isn't a major issue within the lifespan of a typical production car (possibly with more crank mains journals, and thrusts than an A series). All Minis are now likely to have done more engine starts than any manufacturer designed for and some will have stronger clutch springs fitted. A well set up pre-Verto ought to perform better if you hold the clutch fully down.

[Badboytunes]

clutch out. clutch in puts load on the crank thrusts before the oil has started circulating.

 

 

Im assuming that engine longevity and design has moved on since the A series as most modern cars ( my MINI  for example ) will not start without the clutch pedal pressed.

[firstforward]

I always have and always will start with the clutch depressed, period.

[coopdog]

yep i always start it with the clutch in, much safer.

[KernowCooper]

Why? I prefer to look after my thrusts, and let the 075 provide any extra amps to overcome what ever extra drag the gearbox migh bring to the cranking. As for always starting with the clutch down to ensure the car does not jump forward, its a simple case of ensuring its in neutral.