Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] re: Don't roll or bump start your syncro in reverse‏

1
Regarding Replies 3 and 4 and the last question.
 
the higher the gear, the easier it is for the van and transmission to turn over the engine.
In a low gear you are trying to spin the engine much too fast.
that's rough on things.
In a situation with limited traction, bump starting in a very low gear ...the wheels will just skid,  ( less so with AWD of course )
 
the 'normal' way to bump start is in a medium high gear, which would be 2nd or 3rd., going forward only.
The only thing wrong with using reverse is that it's so low.
 
there are two ways -
one is to keep the van rolling, like in 3rd gear and gradually let the engine take over, coming 'on line' and then propelling the van.
 
but there's a better way -
you get it rolling, like say 12 to 15 mph, then 'pop' the clutch in 2nd, and push the clutch pedal right back in immediately.
Just a 'pop' to spin the engine nicely.
This gives the engine good spin, and by not being in gear, it's able to burst into life more easily since it's not also pushing the van.
  Ten you rev it a couple times, make sure she's running, and select the gear of your choice, and off you go.
 
It's also not really that good to use the alternator to charge up a fully flat battery ( not so good for the alternator - they're not really made for that use ) ....but you almost always can get away with doing that.
 
About leaving lights on ..
develop the habit of every time you turn the ign. key to 'off' , with the other hand you also check that the light switch is off.
You guys may have ignition switch and light switch on the same side of the steering wheel...
but on left hand drive models this 'two hand' method works nicely. Just train your brain to be in that habit. Both off at the same time, every time.
 
Scott
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 3:50 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] re: Don't roll or bump start your syncro in reverse‏

 

ALL,
A current US Syncro forum topic with acknowledgements to contributors, food for thought ....
 
Topic Post: Don't roll or bump start your syncro in reverse‏
I have a 1990 Syncro with an Adventure Wagon camper. About 3 years ago I was in a very remote area with a dead battery. At that time I was very lucky to start the engine by rolling in reverse. I have a few questions.
 
Was I lucky to beat the odds and have no apparent damage? The battery was dead because I left the lights on and the Syncro does not have an alarm to warn me of my error. Over the past 20 years I have done this at least 3 times.
 
How difficult is it to install an alarm when the lights are on?
 
Besides the main battery for the van my conversion has 2 deep cycle 6 volt Trojan batteries just for use in the camper and separated by a solenoid from the main system. On one occasion I tried to start the van by using jumper cables from these deep cycle batteries to start the van but it did not work. Why would this not work?   Jim Wilson 
 
Reply 1

Three possible reasons.  First, did you take into account that your aux/house batteries are 6v in series?  Or did you try to jump from just one battery? Second, your aux batteries were not charged.  And third, and likely, is that you didn't get a good connection with the jumper cables because the clamps were corroded/dirty or they were inexpensive jumper cables with way to much resistance in them.  The latter two reasons are a common problem using jumper cables.   I've jumped from my aux to my starter battery and actually run on the aux battery many miles until I could get to a place where I could fix an alternator that had quit charging.  Loren Busch

Reply 2 The first time I did that (compression start in reverse) it cost me a tranny rebuild, about $2K.
I had an engine with 10:1 compression which likely exacerbated this happening, but it is recommended to never try to compression start a Syncro in anything but 2nd or 3rd and of course, going forward. You're a lucky dog and may have a "tired" engine that does not put much compression stress on the tranny in that situation.

I've started my van by jumping the main battery with the aux battery a few times without any trouble so am not sure what problem you are having. A suggestion: install a Sure Power 1315 Battery Separator and if installed properly, and your "house" battery has sufficient oomph, you'll never know if your main battery is low as the 1315 will automatically switch to the house battery for starting. Nice feature. Bob Stevens
   


Reply 3
IMHO If you have to bump start, use first gear, this is the strongest being right next to the pinion bearing or second for the higher ratio cranking, I would not recommend using 3rd as the teeth on this gear are quite fine. Granny and Reverse can't be used safely because they are hung out the front of the transmission a long way from the crown and pinion mesh and the intermediate housing is just not strong enough, the reverse idler gear in particular being supported by a shaft held by only a few mm of aluminium case, this is what usually breaks out.  Aidan Talbot

 
Reply 4

Don’t EVER compression start a Syncro in Reverse OR Granny..The forces created can blow the rev idler gears out the bottom of the case…Not a pretty sight and very expensive…Use 2nd or 3rd.  Daryl Christensen

 

So which IS the safest gear (tranny wise) for bump starting ... 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th?

 

Cheers.

Ken


Australia's #1 job site If it exists, you'll find it on SEEK.

2
> It's also not really that good to use the alternator to charge up a
> fully flat battery ( not so good for the alternator - they're not really
> made for that use ) ...

I've never heard that before.

If your battery is too flat the engine will not start anyway as it need power for the EFI etc.