Inspired by another GRM thread:
When starting a car equipped with a manual transmission, is it better to start it with the clutch pedal in or out, and why?
I always start the engine with the clutch in. Usually, especially if the engine is cold, I start it in neutral, too. The reason is that in neutral and the clutch in, the starter has to spin fewer things in the transmission so there's less resistance, so easier on the starter motor. Also, it takes less cranking power from the battery. I learned this when I lived in the frozen Midwest, and one of my early cars was a diesel, so easing winter starts was good.
In the other thread, Keith says that he starts with the clutch OUT (obviously in neutral). His reasoning, if he'll allow me to paraphrase, is that with the clutch in, the thrust bearing is pushing on the end of the crankshaft, adding lots of friction when those parts have no oil supply (as the engine isn't running yet so the oil system isn't yet pressurized).
His words: "I prefer to start the car with my foot off the clutch to save the thrust bearing. Because when you put your foot on the clutch to start the car, you're basically trying to force the crankshaft out the front of the block. Your thrust bearing is there to prevent this, but before the car starts there's no oil pressure. Your thrust bearing does not appreciate this, especially if you've installed a heavier clutch with more crank-pushing power."
Keith's reasoning sounds pretty good to me. And I'd rather replace a battery than a throwout bearing. Plus, now I live in the Southwest where cold starts aren't that cold. But I'd like more opinions on this. Chime in!
David
but I've always done clutch in, neutral. I understand the reason of why clutch out but I figure the wear on a modern car is pretty small, and my stick cars all had interlocks that I didn't feel like defeating. If I had a racecar there would be no clutch interlock so that the starter could be used to get a disabled car out of the way if need be.
