Floating the gears question.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by gb2nyc, Sep 13, 2012.

  1. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    That doesn't mean you can't float the gears, it just means that the gear speeds will match with a single press of the clutch.

    And believe me, if you ever have a clutch cable break or lose clutch fluid, you will learn to float them real quick if you want to get anywhere.
    The hardest part when that happens is starting and stopping.
    When stopping you get in the gear you want to start from and brake to a stop - which kills the engine.
    To get moving, you use the starter.
     
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  3. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    FWIW, Volvo briefly imported some VN trucks with Volvo engines mated to Volvo's syncronized 14 speed transmission in the mid to late 90s. They didn't sell well and Volvo stopped offering them. I'm sure most of the issues were due to drivers trying to float them, lol.
     
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  4. DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

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    I hear that, most likely was the problem. I prefer floating. I used to prefer DC but that changed quick and i fell in love with floating lol.
     
  5. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    When I worked for Pepsi, we had a bunch of old Ford F700s that had 5 x 2 transmissions that you could.either single clutch, double clutch or float shift. Thats how worn out they were, lol.
     
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  6. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    Plus the shifting pattern was totally alien. It was a 4 speed main, with high low range and a splitter and you split each gear.but only used the top 3 in high range, the bottom gear was a granny. I suppose if you were familiar with an 18 speed you might catch on quicker but there was still that pesky inability to float them.
     
  7. DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

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    Yeah I plan on my truck being a 13 or 18 speed. I know what you mean though
     
  8. Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

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    Or just slam it low gear from a dead stop...it will grind and probably hurt the trans eventually, but it will work. My trainer showed me. Just push the stick hard and fast...it will go in.
     
  9. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    You can float gears in a big truck just like a car. Same principal. If you can do it in a car you shouldn't have any problems doing it in a truck. Its all basically rthym and timing. When you downshift though you have to rev up the rpms in between gears to match speeds.
     
  10. bobnub

    bobnub Bobtail Member

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    ooh, ooh, ooh. Since we are really trying to mess stuff up. Can you push start a semi like a car by putting it into gear and pushing it?
     
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  11. DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

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    Yes.

    But depends on the engine. If you have completely dead batteries then it may not work. But with a mechanical engine it can work.

    Ethan
     
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