i have driven 5 speeds for a while, but am having trouble with this 6 speed. it's kind of embarassing, but my trouble is not really launching it correctly (not racing, just driving around).
i can't seem to do it w/out making the engine knock, as if the rpms are too low. it "feels" right to me to let out the clutch at around 1000-1200 rpms, but i still get a knock. also, i find myself thinking about it so much at a green light that i'm riding the clutch. but if i rev it up, i feel like i'm beating on the clutch. so, any advice? any particular rpm? clutch release slow or short? i'm worried too high an rpm is excessive on the clutch. what works best for you (assuming you even pay attention to it)?
i know its a menial question, but i'd rather ask a silly question than find out i have a problem w/ the car. and i do use premium fuel.
Posted by Steve da Wrench (Member # 1301) on :
I just leave at a low rpm, you can actually leave slowly with no throttle, and slowly release the clutch and it should not knock. We learned this at Bragg-Smith driving school. The main thing you dont want to do is over-rev the engine when taking off, or riding the clutch when sitting at a light or on a hill, it builds up too much heat and wear on the already weak-design of a clutch. If it is TRULY knocking, then try better gas, or take it in for warranty repairs, as it shouldn't really knock. hope this helps. Posted by Steve da Wrench (Member # 1301) on :
BTW, no question is menial or too small, we all love helping each other out, that's what its all about!!!!
Posted by OBSSD (Member # 1258) on :
I do about the same as Steve, except that just as I feel the clutch get a decent bite, I give it a little gas. Sometimes the clutch catches a little sooner than I expect and it bogs before I can give it some gas. One out of every 5 or 10 times that happens, I'll get a little knock...but only if it drops well below idle (around 500 RPM or so).
[ 06 March 2002: Message edited by: OBSSD ]
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
Welcome to the board! I think you will get better as time goes on with the clutch. Good advice listed in the above replies! Post some pictures of your ride! Posted by Macky (Member # 1427) on :
That's funny, I don't have these problems with my...automatic! Just kidding! Welcome to the board! And I'll second the motion, there are no questions too menial. Posted by Dante (Member # 1429) on :
I had a problem like that, but with my automatic. I was getting a slight knocking when going into second. I was using Mobil hi-test and switched over to Amoco gold and haven't had any problems since. I learned that different companies use various additives reguardless of octane level. Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
Welcome - ditto Steve - you should have no knocking at all. If the car's under warranty I'd head for the dealership.
I use 94 Sunoco Gold - BTW.
Posted by John -- '02 HAWK (Member # 164) on :
quote:Originally posted by Steve da Wrench: I just leave at a low rpm, you can actually leave slowly with no throttle, and slowly release the clutch and it should not knock. We learned this at Bragg-Smith driving school. The main thing you dont want to do is over-rev the engine when taking off, or riding the clutch when sitting at a light or on a hill, it builds up too much heat and wear on the already weak-design of a clutch. If it is TRULY knocking, then try better gas, or take it in for warranty repairs, as it shouldn't really knock. hope this helps.
So just using the clutch and accelerator on a hill are bad ... wow learned something new
Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
quote:Originally posted by John -- '02 HAWK: So just using the clutch and accelerator on a hill are bad ... wow learned something new
See, we really are helpful around here!
Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
Also remember that we have a rattle at low rpm that is not a knock, but the clutch assembly itself. If you are getting an actual knock with decent gas, bring it in to have it checked.
Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :
What Steve said. Practicing starting without using the gas at all, just clutch, will really help you get a feel for it.
Just kidding! Welcome to the board! And I'll second the motion, there are no questions too menial. 
