Is it bad to have my ankle fully extended forward when pressing the clutch?

[mazeroni]

Originally Posted by cat94

This leads to there occasionally being about 1 cm of travel that I am not using when changing gears without thinking.

Doesn't matter. The engagement point is very high on the clutch. Maybe you'll be putting a little more strain on the syncros because there is some friction between the transmission and engine, but if it feels normal (like you are fully depressing the clutch) then you are probably good. When I sitting in traffic and short shifting, I can't say for sure if I am fully depressing the clutch. I am not actively pressing with my leg to make sure it is fully depressed. When driving hard, I generally do slam my foot onto the clutch so I can make a quick shift - never skip leg day. Though i am 6'3 with a lot of leg so its easy :\ Woe is me!

You'll know when you aren't on the clutch enough when it grinds. Not sure what that is like? Hopefully you never find out.

It sucks when you flash back to the days of driving automatics (if you have that experience) and forget the clutch entirely and rip the shifter out of gear and / or push the clutch to get it out of gear then release the clutch and try to slam it into the gate.

The sound....

My god the sound...

[86Boyz]

I don't know. Sounds like a question for your physical therapist.

[cat94]

Originally Posted by TelMinz

If you hear grinding noises when you shift you might want to try pressing it further. If not you should be good.

You could also try going in reverse, then coming to a complete stop, then quickly pressing the clutch and shift into gear. If it grinds then the clutch didn't disengage all the way.

I don't think I've had my car long enough to be willing to do these sorts of tests.

Originally Posted by Tcoat

LOL!
Oh wait, now Cat will ask "What gear indicator?"

I have it turned on already!!!

[JoeC]

I'm always surprised by the high number of responses these types of threads generate. I guess I just don't understand how much there could be to talk about. Do people also have these lengthy conversations in person about pushing in the clutch pedal?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by cat94

I don't think I've had my car long enough to be willing to do these sorts of tests.



I have it turned on already!!!

LOL was just poking you!

Originally Posted by JoeC

I'm always surprised by the high number of responses these types of threads generate. I guess I just don't understand how much there could be to talk about. Do people also have these lengthy conversations in person about pushing in the clutch pedal?

It is an easy answer to give so loads of people like to jump in. Sometimes though you get guys with some weird ass ideas that give advice that is just horrible and then these threads get interesting.
Taught my 14 year old grandson to drive my car in about a 1/2 an hour so it is really easy to do when in person. It is when you are trying to explain even the basics by print that it gets tough. A 5 second demonstration turns into a 6 page question and answer session.

[unhappymeal]

Originally Posted by JoeC

I'm always surprised by the high number of responses these types of threads generate. I guess I just don't understand how much there could be to talk about. Do people also have these lengthy conversations in person about pushing in the clutch pedal?

This is what makes this forum great entertainment. The ability for members to write platitudes on foot positioning or the perceived benefits of shift knob choice is great!

[bcj]

The knob envy is strong here

[p1l0t]

Originally Posted by bcj

The knob envy is strong here

And for that reason, I'm out.



Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

[cat94]

Originally Posted by JoeC

I'm always surprised by the high number of responses these types of threads generate. I guess I just don't understand how much there could be to talk about. Do people also have these lengthy conversations in person about pushing in the clutch pedal?

I'm pretty new to this world - though I've been interested since I was a teen. These posts (many started by me ) have been invaluable to me since I really have no one to turn to for advice in person.

I'm sure if I met a mechanic/engineer/enthusiast who was willing to sit with me for a few hours I would have endless questions.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by cat94

I'm pretty new to this world - though I've been interested since I was a teen. These posts (many started by me ) have been invaluable to me since I really have no one to turn to for advice in person.

I'm sure if I met a mechanic/engineer/enthusiast who was willing to sit with me for a few hours I would have endless questions.

You can ask all the questions you want. In fact you are almost the perfect question asker really. We get so many guys here that will ask a basic question and then argue every single answer they get and crap all over the people that responded. Those threads take on a whole different tone!
If you get conflicting answers (and you will get them) just pick the one that makes the most sense to you or the person/people you trust the most. Also keep in mind that there can indeed be many "right" answers to some questions while others should have a black and white answer.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by cat94

I'm pretty new to this world - though I've been interested since I was a teen. These posts (many started by me ) have been invaluable to me since I really have no one to turn to for advice in person.

I'm sure if I met a mechanic/engineer/enthusiast who was willing to sit with me for a few hours I would have endless questions.

Well now, cat94, don't feel bad that you have a lot of questions.

Many of us "older" drivers were learning how to drive before automatic transmissions were the norm, thus we had lots of exposure to manual transmissions.

Also, several of us learned on old cars, trucks and tractors, that had heavy flywheels and lots of low end torque, so that one could let the clutch out while the vehicle was at idle ...... and it would move forward.

So, if you have questions, just ask ...... if you are ah feared of getting flamed by some of the folks on the open forum ....... feel free to PM ol humfrz and I will try to explain the basics to you ......


humfrz

[cat94]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

almost the perfect question

Is that resume worthy?

Originally Posted by humfrz

Well now, cat94, don't feel bad that you have a lot of questions.

Many of us "older" drivers were learning how to drive before automatic transmissions were the norm, thus we had lots of exposure to manual transmissions.

Also, several of us learned on old cars, trucks and tractors, that had heavy flywheels and lots of low end torque, so that one could let the clutch out while the vehicle was at idle ...... and it would move forward.

So, if you have questions, just ask ...... if you are ah feared of getting flamed by some of the folks on the open forum ....... feel free to PM ol humfrz and I will try to explain the basics to you ......


humfrz

Thanks! I really appreciate that.

On a side note... I recently figured out that a tiny bit of gas (really just resting my foot on the throttle) at the biting point in combination with a smooth release allows for a really smooth up-shift. Almost feels like an automatic. heh

[gramicci101]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Many of us "older" drivers were learning how to drive before automatic transmissions were the norm, thus we had lots of exposure to manual transmissions.

Some of you older drivers learned how to drive when the only forward speeds were walk, trot, canter, and gallop.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by cat94

Is that resume worthy?

Depends on the job! About half my work day is spent asking questions even when I already know the answer.