Tips on Push Starting a car?

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MovingTarget

Diamond Member
Jun 22, 2003
9,002
115
106
Sigh. I've never had to push-start a car before as around here, there really aren't any hills big enough where you could risk doing so. It would be nice if cars still offered a "crank-start" option though, similar to the early days of the electric starter. It is a mechanically simple solution that could get you going in a pinch if necessary.
 

mooseracing

Golden Member
Mar 9, 2006
1,711
0
0
Originally posted by: MovingTarget
there really aren't any hills big enough where you could risk doing so.

All it takes is about 10 or 15ft, and a car that runs good will fire right up. I've done it on just light slopes as long as its enough to get the vehicle rolling, pop the clutch in 4th gear and fire right up. I use to do it alot when I had a bad connection at the starter.
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
6
81
Originally posted by: MovingTarget
Sigh. I've never had to push-start a car before as around here, there really aren't any hills big enough where you could risk doing so. It would be nice if cars still offered a "crank-start" option though, similar to the early days of the electric starter. It is a mechanically simple solution that could get you going in a pinch if necessary.

Too much liability, I'd imagine. Shame, though.
 

Jahee

Platinum Member
Sep 21, 2006
2,072
0
0
Originally posted by: jagec
Originally posted by: MovingTarget
Sigh. I've never had to push-start a car before as around here, there really aren't any hills big enough where you could risk doing so. It would be nice if cars still offered a "crank-start" option though, similar to the early days of the electric starter. It is a mechanically simple solution that could get you going in a pinch if necessary.

Too much liability, I'd imagine. Shame, though.

Engine layout would be a problem for FF cars too..
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
6
81
Originally posted by: Jahee
Originally posted by: jagec
Originally posted by: MovingTarget
Sigh. I've never had to push-start a car before as around here, there really aren't any hills big enough where you could risk doing so. It would be nice if cars still offered a "crank-start" option though, similar to the early days of the electric starter. It is a mechanically simple solution that could get you going in a pinch if necessary.

Too much liability, I'd imagine. Shame, though.

Engine layout would be a problem for FF cars too..

Hehe, yeah, it kinda would.

Step 1. Engage parking brake, put car in neutral.
Step 2. Jack car up and remove front tire.
Step 3. Remove cover.
Step 4. Turn car on.
Step 5. Insert crank, crank car over until it starts.
Step 6. Remove crank, replace cover.
Step 7. Reinstall tire, lower vehicle.
Step 8. Drive.