[elhigh]

Don't hold the clutch in while idling. Shift to neutral and let it out.

The thrust bearing doesn't get regular lubrication, it's lubricated by a couple of teaspoons' worth of grease and that's it. Holding it in subjects it to unnecessary wear.

When engaging, keep slippage to a minimum. To get started, I goose the throttle a tiny bit to speed the engine, then engage as the revs drop back to idle. The extra kinetic energy is enough to get the vehicle moving, and I let the engine and tranny match up without any extra loading beyond that. Then I add gas.

Your mileage may vary. Too small an engine and that method might not work. It sure doesn't with the Honda, yipes.