engine stumbles then grabs

[66roadie]

occasionally when starting in 1st gear, the engine will stumble then grab, & sometimes it seems to boost even with light throttle. No cel. Only in 1st gear especially when cold. Anyone seen similar?

 

[Blue Moon Sonic]

Almost sounds like better clutch control is needed during launch and a cold clutch/transmission. If you release the clutch correctly on a bone stock vehicle. You shouldn't even have to touch the gas until your foot is all the way off the clutch pedal and the car is rolling. Not recommended for when on a hill, but will teach you the car's engage and disengage point for the clutch.

 

[66roadie]

Thanks, that could be it although it doesnt happen if i start in 2nd gear. I'll finesse the clutch a bit more before I complain.

 

[EyeluvSmegma]

Thanks, that could be it although it doesnt happen if i start in 2nd gear. I'll finesse the clutch a bit more before I complain.

I was thinking plugs, but that would be a different set of circumstances I believe.

 

[66roadie]

Almost sounds like better clutch control is needed during launch and a cold clutch/transmission. If you release the clutch correctly on a bone stock vehicle. You shouldn't even have to touch the gas until your foot is all the way off the clutch pedal and the car is rolling. Not recommended for when on a hill, but will teach you the car's engage and disengage point for the clutch.

Yep. Operator error. I'm a slow learner but I'm starting to get used to this clutch. I'm used to gas & clutch together & this one is really different.

 

[Blue Moon Sonic]

Glad I could help a fellow enthusiast. Once you get used to the clutch, start learning rev matching and heel toe. They're nice little techniques to know and can save you some life on the clutch once you do it correctly.

 

[66roadie]

Glad I could help a fellow enthusiast. Once you get used to the clutch, start learning rev matching and heel toe. They're nice little techniques to know and can save you some life on the clutch once you do it correctly.

I think it's just this clutch I have to get used to as I learned to drive on a car with straight teeth gears where rev matching (aka: double clutching) was necessary to shift gears. I have a (Hahn) turbo PT Cruiser that I can launch & power shift through the gears with no problem.. it's just this funny little car I was having a problem with. I'm getting the hang of it now though & I know it will be a lot of fun as I get a few more miles on it.