47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

Hey everyone,

Brace yourself for a bone headed question that i will be asking you. I have been starting the 47 ford for the past 30 years without holding my foot down on the clutch. I typically just feather the gas pedal and adjust my choke accordingly while cranking it over and the car has never failed to start. But I have recently been watching some YouTube clips where others are stating you need to hold the clutch while cranking over.

Have I been starting my car incorrectly for all these years? I do know that newer cars with a manual transmission require you to hold the clutch down while starting them.

Thank you, Brian

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

If it has worked for you for 30 years, why would you change?

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

O.K. either way. Newer vehicles have a switch that requires depressing the clutch in. From a pure safety standpoint, might be good to push the clutch in just in case you forgot to take it out of gear. Which I've done....

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

No, you do not need to push in the clutch to start the engine, and in fact it's harder on the thrust bearing on the crankshaft to do it that way. Putting forward pressure on that thrust bearing before oil circulates is harder on it, and is unnecessary. You've done it right for 30 years.

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

WOW! I was always taught to depress the clutch when starting because it put less stress on the starter as the clutch disc is released from the flywheel making it easier for the engine to turn over.

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

I was also taught to crank with the clutch in for safety. Also, it takes the transmission gear loads off of the starter. It takes a bit to spin the main shaft and cluster gear, especially when very cold.

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

I used to push the clutch in and have my buddies push start me.

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

In the greater scheme of things either way is going to work, and won't affect anything in any big way. In cold temps pushing the clutch can mean the difference between starting up and not starting...if you think you might forget to put it in neutral, push the clutch in...if you want to relieve pressure on the thrust bearing on startup, leave the clutch out. It'll work any way you need it to. :):)

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

From the stand point of safety, it's better to depress the clutch pedal with car in neutral when starting.
No surprising leaps forward.
I am trying to recall what was taught in my 1961 high school driver training course.

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

I've always done it like cadillac512.

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

It would be interesting to check the RPM when not depressing the clutch and check it against the RPM when clutch is depressed, especially in cold winter weather.

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

I can say without a doubt the cranking and idle rpm on a cold winter start is faster if you push in the clutch. The cold transmission lube is a fair amount of drag.

In warm weather the difference is negligible.

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

I do as 19Fordy does too.

Glenn

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

I think "The Depressers" have it!

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

Does anyone remember which year model of U. S. cars that it became NECESSARY to push clutch in to activate that start/safety switch?

Coop


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Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

Hi Dick, I had a 2001 F250 that had to have the clutch depressed to start. Don't recall earlier vehicles which were probably too old anyway.
Mike

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

i bet the videos are made by people that just learned how to drive a standard trans,i start my 36 pickup with out stepping on the clutch, it is less where and tear on the thrust bearing, i bet those people could not drive a column shift

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

Hey Mike ..... Farther back than you may remember. 1968 was the year. Also the first year for VIN #s on dash, "ASTROVENTILATION" on Brand X cars, as well as SIDE MARKER lights front & rear. The last year for key on dash instead of steering column.

Coop


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Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

I start both ways. Never an issue.

Re: 47 Ford - 3 on the Tree question (Clutch question)
 

Exactly! :)