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From: msg@drutx.UUCP (GrahamM)
Newsgroups: net.auto.tech
Subject: Re: trivia question
Message-ID: <700@drutx.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 25-Nov-85 10:41:38 EST
Article-I.D.: drutx.700
Posted: Mon Nov 25 10:41:38 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 26-Nov-85 20:27:45 EST
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver
Lines: 31

>>> > Why do cars have clutches?
>>> >
>>> > Because, the engine has to keep running while the car starts from a stop.
     ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>>>
>>> Correct!  Gasoline and Diesel engines have zero starting torque.
>>
>>Not a correct answer to the original question, which asked for the
>>reason NOT INCLUDING SHIFTING GEARS.  This solution seems to refer
>                                       ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>>to the need to shift into neutral for starting.
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
>Oh, does it???  When the auto starts from a standstill (with the
>engine running first) the clutch is acting as a lossy coupling as it
>is brought greadually into engagement.  The car could stay in first gear,
>say, during this startup process; no need to shift at all.  ...
>
>       dan levy | yvel nad      |  my own and are not at all those of my em-

Dan has rightly stated what I should have in my posted answer. I was thinking
of starting from a stop with the car in gear. 

Matter settled.

Regards,

Matt Graham
!ihnp4!drutx!msg