Is it better to push the clutch in when starting the truck?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Burnt Clutch, Jan 20, 2024.

  1. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

    29,032
    156,634
    Jul 7, 2015
    Canuckistan
    0
    One thing I've noticed is these newer Volvos look like somebody dumped the clutch every time they take off. I swear that one steer tire just about lifts off the ground before slamming back down when it grabs the next gear.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. mustang190

    mustang190 Road Train Member

    2,831
    6,079
    Jan 18, 2011
    Florida Panhandle
    0
    When I was in Alaska I learned that you ALWAYS kept the transmission in neutral when you shut it down. Never left it in gear while parked.
     
  4. OLDSKOOLERnWV

    OLDSKOOLERnWV Captain Redbeard

    18,112
    272,635
    Nov 29, 2011
    West Virginia
    0

    Yep I remember those quite well, operated a few in my earlier days….

    IMG_7658.jpeg IMG_7657.jpeg
     
  5. OLDSKOOLERnWV

    OLDSKOOLERnWV Captain Redbeard

    18,112
    272,635
    Nov 29, 2011
    West Virginia
    0
    My old D2 Cat used compression release as well. Set the compression release lever, wrap a rope around the pony motor and give it 2 pulls and it was purring. Pony exhaust heated the diesel air intake, pull the lever engaging the the bendix drive to the diesel flywheel, pull the throttle back a few clicks, make sure the master clutch lever is pulled back in neutral, pull the lever engaging the pony drive to the bendix, when the diesel starts belching black switch the compression release from start to run. Good times lol, guarantee ya @Oxbow is picking up what I’m laying down….

    IMG_8269.jpeg IMG_8268.jpeg
     
  6. Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

    12,675
    130,729
    Nov 24, 2015
    Idaho
    0
    Yes sir. I have had the pleasure of using pony motors on a 9u d6, 17a D7, 2u D8, and an old 12 blade. Nothing better in the winter than to fire up the pony motor, get the main engine spinning with compression released, and get back in the pickup and have a cup while things warm up a bit!
     
    prostartom, Feedman and OLDSKOOLERnWV Thank this.
  7. OLDSKOOLERnWV

    OLDSKOOLERnWV Captain Redbeard

    18,112
    272,635
    Nov 29, 2011
    West Virginia
    0

    I had some friends stop by one summer when I was using that D2, it was just setting there with the engine off. Some feller they brought with them was looking it over and asking about all the levers on it. I had to move it anyways and he wanted to hear it run for some reason. Turn the switch on the pony magneto, set the compression release, wrap the rope around the pony and give it a yank and she was buzzing, those little 2 cylinders had their own sound.

    Pony fired up and he just fell apart with disbelief that he seen a dozer engine started with a rope lol.

    It took me a second to realize that he thought the diesel engine was running! Ah…. No, no that’s not the diesel you hear , pull a few levers and the black coal rolled up out of the exhaust and he was just beside himself lol, I had to laugh at that rascal….
     
  8. DannyB

    DannyB Medium Load Member

    330
    552
    Apr 13, 2008
    Jackson Mi
    0
    My Dad taught me to drive. He absolutely would have knocked me into next week if I ever engaged a starter with the clutch engaged. No matter what the temperature was OR what safety devices were installed. Push the clutch pedal in, hold it in, engage starter. Period.
    As for the autoshifts, been there, done that. If you like 'em, buy 'em. I have no use for them. Ok, boat anchor material.
     
    Last Call and Oxbow Thank this.
  9. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

    3,999
    9,077
    Jan 30, 2012
    Charlotte, N.Carolina
    0
    if you actually have to ask that question, you don't qualify as a driver of anything but a moped
     
    Last Call Thanks this.
  10. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

    29,032
    156,634
    Jul 7, 2015
    Canuckistan
    0
    Sounded like an ex-boyfriend of my cousin. The bf was a city kid and was never around trucks or equipment much, if at all. Dad and I rolled up in his brand new T800 we just picked up and they happened to be visiting. Cousin's bf absolutely loved the turbo whistle on that ISX while idling. He was like a kid in a candy store lol.
     
    Magoo1968, OLDSKOOLERnWV and Oxbow Thank this.
  11. OLDSKOOLERnWV

    OLDSKOOLERnWV Captain Redbeard

    18,112
    272,635
    Nov 29, 2011
    West Virginia
    0

    Well they may have been related lol, this guy acted like he just seen the best thing since sliced bread….
     
    Oxbow Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.