push starting a MN6 C5
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,222
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
push starting a MN6 C5
just got finished watching an old episode of American Hotrod and the had to push start one of their car. I've seen it done on older cars, but if you were in a pinch, could you do it to a C5, or would the computer not like it.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,222
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
either push the car or roll it down a hill in 1st gear with the clutch in, when you get some speed, let the clutch out. When the clutch catches either the wheels have to stop or the engine has to turn, and with 3000lbs behind them the wheels win and the engine will turn over the same was the starter would do it.
it's a good trick if you get stuck with a bad starter or battery. That's what happened on the show and got me thinking about it. Hopefully I won't every have to do it.
it's a good trick if you get stuck with a bad starter or battery. That's what happened on the show and got me thinking about it. Hopefully I won't every have to do it.
Last edited by Lancer033; Mar 5, 2005 at 11:09 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
Likes: 26
From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by C5 ChemE
Excuse my inexperience, but how is this done? 
If your lucky enough to be stuck downhill, its alot easier.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,896
Likes: 3
From: New Bern NC
Never done it on a C-5, but plenty of times on other vehicles. Other gears than 1st will also work. In the old days when cars and trucks had good bumpers, it was common to give your buddy a push to get the other vehicle moving, then back off while he popped the clutch.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,996
Likes: 77
From: Louisville KY
I've found out over the years that using 2nd gear is much better than 1st gear. Sometimes you may not have enough forward speed for 1st to turn the engine over, whereas 2nd gear will work better.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 954
Likes: 21
From: White Oak, GA
Originally Posted by Jim2003
I've found out over the years that using 2nd gear is much better than 1st gear. Sometimes you may not have enough forward speed for 1st to turn the engine over, whereas 2nd gear will work better.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh NC
Originally Posted by Jim2003
I've found out over the years that using 2nd gear is much better than 1st gear. Sometimes you may not have enough forward speed for 1st to turn the engine over, whereas 2nd gear will work better.
Never had to Pop-Start the Vette, but Ive always done my other
cars in second as well
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,726
Likes: 368
From: Montoursville Pa
I found out something not so nice about push starting. I won't work if the battery is real dead. The reason is there isn't enough power to excite the alternator or run the fuel pump........soon as the fuel pressure in the linne drops it quits. That is if the battery is under about 8 volts or so. in the old days (with a generator) there was enough residual magnetism that a generator would put out power and it would work, now that we have alternators it doesn't
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Manahawkin New Jersey
Unfortunately I've done this 4-5 times in the last three days while waiting for a starter. have a 98. Turn the key to run, put in nuetral and push like hell. When you've got the speed, jump in and and put it in 2nd. Works great in a pinch. Just don't stall at a red light!! 
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: Spread The Virus!!!!!!! Opie and Anthony XM Satellite Radio
Originally Posted by Jim2003
I've found out over the years that using 2nd gear is much better than 1st gear. Sometimes you may not have enough forward speed for 1st to turn the engine over, whereas 2nd gear will work better.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by Jim2003
I've found out over the years that using 2nd gear is much better than 1st gear. Sometimes you may not have enough forward speed for 1st to turn the engine over, whereas 2nd gear will work better.
Better mechanical advantage than first. Just have to get the speed up good though. 