I was reading the SR8 Owner's Handbook on starting the engine and noted that it states in large red capital letters "DO NOT DEPRESS THE CLUTCH."
Does anyone know why this is? Perhaps the gearbox oil pump greatly benefits from a slow crank before it goes up to speed...
Anyway, it got me thinking what the best course of action is when the car was to stall. It sounds like it needs dry shifted back into neutral, but surely that's not ideal either, but perhaps the lesser of two evils?
Hi Stephen,
I believe the reason for this is the wear that occurs to the crank thrust bearing in the engine
It is also recommend not to sit in the pit lane etc in gear with the clutch depressed.
Hi Dan,
Yes, I remember reading about not holding it in gear while in the pits. That's obviously when it's running, which may be a slightly different scenario to when it's being cranked, but affects the same bearing none the less.
I've just seen this section in one of the manuals:
"As with any race car, it is important to put the car in neutral and release the clutch when stationary. This will significantly reduce the clutch bearing wear. Ensure the car is always started in neutral."
So in conclusion - After a stall, shift into neutral and restart with the clutch out.
