"Push Clutch To Start" Bypass Harness

[george_seamons]

I know this isn't the place for sales ads etc, but I think this would be very beneficial to the community! I won't use this as an actual ad, but more to point to the For Sale section!

I have developed a plug-and-play solution to the problematic TFSI thrust washer wearing caused by having to start certain VAG cars with the clutch depressed. This problem is exaggerated with uprated clutches. Once the problem sets in, the crank and block are then toast, so a new engine is needed.

This kit involves unplugging the electrical plug to the clutch switch, plugging it into the harness, then plugging the harness into the clutch switch. That's it...no cutting/soldering/messing about with multi meters etc, and it's reversible if you ever want to remove it (selling the car etc). Cruise control functions, and over-rev protection are still kept fully functional.

Will come with comprehensive instructions, which detail fitment, with clear pictures.

It was developed on a '57 plate Audi S3 8P, but will fit pretty much every VAG car of the same era/shape. Check with me if you're not sure though. Not sure about the A3/S3 8V or Mk7 Golf shape (or other MQB platforms) yet (Mk6 works), awaiting confirmation from Alex at AKS.

Please head over to the For Sale section for price etc...don't want to break any rules!

[Flyingscotsman]

What is the issue that this solves ?
Why is it a bad idea to start with clutch depressed?

[r5gtt]

There's nothing wrong with starting the car with the clutch as you still need to dip it to change the gears although it's a pain in the when the cars on a ramp and you need to start it but can't get in  customers cars.

[Flyingscotsman]

I don't need to but I always do start with clutch disengaged as I'm used to bikes that do have clutch switches & a previous old golf with a tired battery that didn't like turning over the engine.

[george_seamons]

TFSI's have a poor thrust washer design, several have failed because of the extra forces an uprated clutch puts on them. When the crank turns against the washers with no oil pressure, it accelerates the wear.

I have sold 18 sets in 10 hours, and have been approached by a big name for a bulk buy...so it's a problem people are keen to avoid!

[Flyingscotsman]

Thanks for the info. Maybe I should stop starting with clutch disengaged. I have a choice as I dont have a clutch switch on mine.

[r5gtt]

TFSI's have a poor thrust washer design, several have failed because of the extra forces an uprated clutch puts on them. When the crank turns against the washers with no oil pressure, it accelerates the wear.

I have sold 18 sets in 10 hours, and have been approached by a big name for a bulk buy...so it's a problem people are keen to avoid!

Great info if this is the case people should fit it who have manual transmission. Good luck for the future in the sales only this product. 

[Flyingscotsman]

Am  I missing something here? If the clutch is disengaged the starter is turning LESS mass so any forces and wear are going to be reduced?

Is this a device that lets you start an automatic with the clutch disengaged?

[Dan_FR]

It's not the rotating mass that is the worry, and this is for manual cars like the S3 to start without the need for the clutch to be depressed

With the clutch depressed, all of the clamping pressure is transferred (thanks to the release bearing) against the crank laterally, pushing it toward the cambelt side of the engine. On start up there is no oil pressure, and that coupled with a poor thrust washer design leads to dry running & excessive wear to the block & crank during startup. It is made a lot worse with uprated clutches which have a higher clamping force.

You really are a lot better off starting the car in neutral with your foot off the clutch pedal. Fair play to George for putting in the time and effort to come up with such a simple solution

[Tfsi_Mike]

Am  I missing something here? If the clutch is disengaged the starter is turning LESS mass so any forces and wear are going to be reduced?

Is this a device that lets you start an automatic with the clutch disengaged?

Same misconception I had. Pressing the clutch pedal when starting causes more wear

[r5gtt]

It's for manual transmission only mate. @Flyingscotsman. Golfs start without having to hold the brake pedal thankfully and we have no clutch pedal so won't need this contraption

[Flyingscotsman]

Thanks for that @Dan_FR I'll stop depressing clutch when I start then 

[AJP]

Well I'm glad I read this thread. I've always depressed the clutch on startup. Thought it was good practice. I've got an uprated clutch too

I'll bear this fix in mind if and when I move to a car that necessitates a depressed clutch on startup.

[bad devotions]

Interesting... I always stay the car with the clutch depressed. Thought it was easier on the engine. Also I have a 2013 touran and that simply will not start unless you have the clutch depressed. Even tells you on the dash :S

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[Dan_FR]

Interesting... I always stay the car with the clutch depressed. Thought it was easier on the engine. Also I have a 2013 touran and that simply will not start unless you have the clutch depressed. Even tells you on the dash :S

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

That's exactly why it was made, for cars that won't start without a clutch press, such as the S3. Not all engines suffer this problem, it's just a design flaw with the Gen 1 TFSI engines.