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How to push-start a car?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 40th GT
  • Start date Start date Nov 19, 2006

40th GT

New Member
Apr 7, 2004
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Lawrenceville, GA
Nov 19, 2006
#1
  • Nov 19, 2006
  • #1
I was watching a nascar race and Kevin Harvick had a messed up alternator. So when he had to re-crank the car after the red flag, he requested a push-start from a flatbed so that he won't have to use his starter. So it got me wondering, how do you push-start a car?
 

DropTopPony

Noob Slayer
Founding Member
Aug 13, 2002
2,570
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48
south jersey
Nov 19, 2006
#2
  • Nov 19, 2006
  • #2
put it in gear with the clutch in...push car to speed and pop the clutch...make sure key is on.
 

40th GT

New Member
Apr 7, 2004
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Lawrenceville, GA
Nov 19, 2006
#3
  • Nov 19, 2006
  • #3
pretty damn simple eh.
 

SRT Handz

I tripped & fell down and cut myself & got blood
Oct 10, 2004
941
23
19
La Mirada, CA
Nov 19, 2006
#4
  • Nov 19, 2006
  • #4
What a Newb
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,298
18,003
224
Massachusetts
Nov 19, 2006
#5
  • Nov 19, 2006
  • #5
Use 2nd gear. 1st won't turn the engine over fast enough.


Put it in second, turn key to on, get some strong buddies to give you a push and then pop the clutch up. When it starts, be ready to push the clutch back in
 

mity2

I like Pro3 and all I got was this crappy CT.
Jul 24, 2003
2,872
3
48
StateCollege PA
Nov 19, 2006
#6
  • Nov 19, 2006
  • #6
can we still push start new cars with distributerless ignition car?
 

Adverse2Change

New Member
Aug 21, 2003
340
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0
Raleigh, NC
Nov 19, 2006
#7
  • Nov 19, 2006
  • #7
Very easy if you are on a slope where the car will roll, and be very quick with the clutch.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,298
18,003
224
Massachusetts
Nov 19, 2006
#8
  • Nov 19, 2006
  • #8
Yes it works.

I had the pleasure of having to push start a buddy's '01 Bullitt


In the manual though, they say you aren't supposed to push start the car because it will damage the catalysts.
 

four six

Member
Jan 19, 2006
506
2
18
Hobart, IN
Nov 20, 2006
#9
  • Nov 20, 2006
  • #9
When my starter went out I had my step dad pull me with his explorer. I put it in 2nd and poped the clutch. Started right up
 
P

PowerSplash93

Member
Dec 25, 2004
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0
6
Nov 20, 2006
#10
  • Nov 20, 2006
  • #10
I had a 91 eagle talon awd turbo and when I bought it the starter was gone in it. Well that night that I bought it, decided to go to the drag strip, needless to say it was kinda embarrassing because every time I wanted to run I had to get it rolling, but I just parked it on a hill after each race. Man that was a lot of fun!!!
Matt
 

40th GT

New Member
Apr 7, 2004
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Lawrenceville, GA
Nov 20, 2006
#11
  • Nov 20, 2006
  • #11
SRT Handz said:
What a Newb
Click to expand...
 

triggz

Founding Member
May 15, 2002
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0
37
Gadsden, AL
Nov 20, 2006
#12
  • Nov 20, 2006
  • #12
If you have the ignition in the "run" position, you forcibly start the engine over by using the tires to drive the engine (translating power backwards through the drivetrain) instead of turning the key to "start" where the starter turns the engine at the flywheel.

1st gear is fine for jump starting, just get rolling at 2 or 3 mph and pop the clutch and jab it back in and voila, car is running.

No, you can't do it with an auto though because of the way the torque converter works always allowing 'slack' through the viscous fluid.
 

Jackie Chan

I didn't read this.
Founding Member
Oct 17, 2002
2,507
4
48
Orlando, FL
Nov 20, 2006
#13
  • Nov 20, 2006
  • #13
PowerSplash93 said:
I had a 91 eagle talon awd turbo and when I bought it the starter was gone in it. Well that night that I bought it, decided to go to the drag strip, needless to say it was kinda embarrassing because every time I wanted to run I had to get it rolling, but I just parked it on a hill after each race. Man that was a lot of fun!!!
Matt
Click to expand...
hahah,

i did that but we dont have any hills in FL.

i just parked at the rear of the slicks lanes in my 95 and my buddies pushed the car when they started to roll up . i thought the starter crapped out but instead one of the bolts backed out. the repair was really fun without the extensions or swivel...and HOT
 

merc123

Active Member
Jan 27, 2003
420
2
39
North GA
Nov 20, 2006
#14
  • Nov 20, 2006
  • #14
I've had to do that several times on my race car. I could get mine to start in 3rd gear. My slave cylinder I think went out so I would push in the clutch but it wouldn't actually disengage the clutch. I would keep my switch "on" and keep the pedal to the floor. Then I would have a 4-wheeler bump me from behind. It actually took less to get the car going in 3rd than 2nd. In 2nd the 4-wheeler would have to actually push me to get me going. In 3rd all I needed was a bump to get the car to turn just a tad and it would crank and take off.
 

dsg03bullitt

New Member
Jul 25, 2006
2
0
0
Nov 20, 2006
#15
  • Nov 20, 2006
  • #15
Have you ever drove clutch dirt bikes or 4-wheelers when you were a kid? I had to push start my quads just about every day because my battery's were always dead!

Newb Indeed!
 

COramprat

...I can take it. I think.
20+ Year Stangneter
Mar 2, 2003
8,474
1,463
223
Sea of Tranquility
Nov 21, 2006
#16
  • Nov 21, 2006
  • #16
Had to do that the other night at work. Started in 1st just fine. Pop the clutch and it's gravy...
 
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