How to smoothly bump start / clutch start an engine

[Daox]

#1 is the correct way to do things. If its not starting, the only thing I can think of is that you need to let the cutch out a tiny bit more to spin the engine up a little faster.

[justjohn]

Ok cool. So then back to my original question: Why is it better to do it that way?

[Daox]

Better than your #2 way of starting? Mostly because its easier and can be done with less distraction from driving. But, by just brushing the clutch against the flywheel, and then rev matching, you have less clutch wear too.

[justjohn]

Okay thanks. I will play around with it again and see if I can get it working better. I am keeping it in high gear not going super fast so the rev match point isn't all that far above idle anyway, but I will shoot for optimal.

[jedi_sol]

Originally Posted by justjohn

Ok cool. So then back to my original question: Why is it better to do it that way?

Less wear on your ignition system (ie. starter) and your "keyhole" mechanism.

It also uses less gas to bump start because you can fire up the car without the need for the fuel injectors to squirt fuel.

[alternativefuelconversion]

Good tip! Been using this method to start when my battery is dead for a long time.