Engine start with clutch?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 590
Likes: 9
From: Seattle
Here's one of the threads that discusses the reason for (and the way to) take that clutch safety switch out of the system.
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-turb...-445-00-a.html
There was another thread started in 2005 that discussed it as well. Both were with reference to 996TT or GT2s, so I don't know how relevant they are to the 996 GT3. But the principle is the same -- when you step on the clutch, and turn over the engine, the force applied to the crankshaft through the (depressed) clutch, coupled with the lack of oil pressure in the non-running engine, loads the crankshaft against the thrust collar on the No. 1 main bearing and can cause premature wear on the bearing. I'm not sure of the magnitude of the concern and the likelihood of real damage, but I choose not to take a chance. So I never press the clutch pedal while starting the engine. The downsides of this technique are that if you happen to leave the car in gear and "forget," you could be sorry. And also, you'll be asking the starter motor to rotate the transmission mainshaft, which can take significant power if the transmission oil is cold and viscous.
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-turb...-445-00-a.html
There was another thread started in 2005 that discussed it as well. Both were with reference to 996TT or GT2s, so I don't know how relevant they are to the 996 GT3. But the principle is the same -- when you step on the clutch, and turn over the engine, the force applied to the crankshaft through the (depressed) clutch, coupled with the lack of oil pressure in the non-running engine, loads the crankshaft against the thrust collar on the No. 1 main bearing and can cause premature wear on the bearing. I'm not sure of the magnitude of the concern and the likelihood of real damage, but I choose not to take a chance. So I never press the clutch pedal while starting the engine. The downsides of this technique are that if you happen to leave the car in gear and "forget," you could be sorry. And also, you'll be asking the starter motor to rotate the transmission mainshaft, which can take significant power if the transmission oil is cold and viscous.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,213
Likes: 437
From: yoou -tah
Is the switch in the pedal cluster?
