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From: ron@brl-sem.ARPA (Ron Natalie <ron>)
Newsgroups: net.auto.tech
Subject: Re: trivia question
Message-ID: <553@brl-sem.ARPA>
Date: Tue, 26-Nov-85 15:50:39 EST
Article-I.D.: brl-sem.553
Posted: Tue Nov 26 15:50:39 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 29-Nov-85 08:13:19 EST
References: <600@drutx.UUCP> <3177@hplabsb.UUCP> <635@bonnie.UUCP>
Organization: Ballistic Research Lab
Lines: 23

> > > 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.  Can the original
> poster respond with the correct answer (assuming that this isn't it)

Eh?  Shifting gears is an all or nothing proposition.  You can't gradually
trasfer the load of the engine by shifting from neutral to first no matter
how you do it.  If you do manage, you are wearing your gear like it was the
clutch.  You need the clutch to START the wheels turning since the engine
won't develop any torque when coming from a dead stop.

Once you are moving, you don't need the clutch.  On most manual transmissions
if you shift at the right speed, you will do a very smooth shift even if
you don't touch the clutch.  This doesn't extend to the 18 ton trucks that
I've driven though, too much load on the transmission I guess.

-Ron