Driving a Dodge town sedan with fluid drive

[greg g]

Not 100% correct but pretty darn close.

 

 

 

[CarlN-NDC]

Forgive me if this is a rookie question... On Fluid Drive equipped cars, after selecting the gear, or range (if it is the semi-automatic transmission), are you supposed to completely release the clutch before applying any gas, or are you suppose to slip the clutch while lightly feathering the gas, like you would in a conventional manual transmission?  I have read the owners manual and shop manual multiple times, but the answer is not clear.  I know once you are in gear, or in low or high range, you can come to a complete stop without depressing the clutch, and you can take off again by simply moving your right foot from the brake to the gas.  I am specifically asking/wondering if when you are first releasing the clutch to start driving, should you hold the car in place with the brakes until the clutch is completely released, or should it be slipped like a conventional manual transmission?  I have found a few sources in my quest for this answer that say the clutch on Fluid Drive equipped cars is slightly smaller than a traditional dry-clutch setup, and that the smaller clutch is not designed to be slipped like in a conventional manual transmission and therefore the clutch pedal should be fully released before applying the gas.  Also, does the answer to my question change dependent on if it is a 3-speed car with Fluid Drive versus a semi-automatic with Fluid Drive car?

 

In this video, the author describes that you should hold your right foot on the brake pedal, then depress the clutch pedal with your left foot, select the gear you want, then fully release the clutch pedal with your right foot still on the brake pedal, then release the brakes, and step on the gas.

 

I know I am probably overthinking this...  I have only ever driven Fluid Drive equipped cars a few of times, but I am searching for the correct answer so when I get my DeSotos road worthy, I will know how to drive them correctly without damaging or reducing the lifespan of the clutch!

[Merle Coggins]

In my FD equipped truck I’ll sometimes use the clutch in a conventional way, and sometimes I’ll leave the clutch engaged and hold the truck on the brakes. (The second is good for around town, keeping it in 3rd gear) Even when I’m using the clutch conventionally I find myself letting it engage more quickly that I might normally, since you really don’t need to use the friction zone as you would with a conventional clutch vehicle. Just let it engage and let the FD take over. 

[Doug&Deb]

The clutch on cars with the semi auto trans is not as robust as standard shift cars so I wouldn’t slip the clutch. Release it slowly then drive away. 

[Dodgeb4ya]

I've never been able to wear the clutches out in my 1948/50 Chryslers over 40+ years slipping the clutches in  them.

 

[greg g]

Why is the clutch slipping?  It, by design, should stall the driven portion of the drive asemblage.  The fluid absorbing the umph of the engine while the clutch and transmission held static by the brakes

[Dodgeb4ya]

You can slip the clutch when accelerating from a dead stop...I do it at times with out just dumping the clutch.

You can accelerate from a dead stop faster when needed by properly slipping the clutch.

The FD clutch discs are not that delicate is all I'm saying.

[Dan Hiebert]

I usually do the feathering of the gas, as you put it, while engaging the clutch.  Probably more out of habit than necessity.  I have, on occasion though, put the car in gear with the brake applied, and taken off from there.  The owners manual says you can do that for certain situations such as taking off on a hill or in slippery situations.  I've even mistakenly started the car in gear with the clutch engaged.  Jumps enough to realize the mistake and hit the brakes, but doesn't die.    

[greg g]

Put the front bumper against a stout tree.  At idle(500 rpm) in 3rd, side step the clutch.  Report your findings .

If you are squeamish, put an old tire between bumper and tree.

[oldodge41]

I use both methods in my '41 Dodge. I drive it like a typical standard three in the tree most of the time. If I am showing someone how it works I always demonstrate the ability to stop in gear and restart while never touching the clutch pedal. I don't think you can do it wrong, kind of the beauty of the system.

[greg g]

I took my road test in a 54 Meadowbrook with three speed fluid drive.  I used second gear for the bulk of the test using my right foot on gas and brake. Clutching only for reverse during parallel parking and three point turn. I used third once to go above 25 mph.  He had me accelerate from a stop sign get up to 25 then stop and do a left hand turn.  When we finished he said I had passed and complimented me on my smoothness.  He said if he didn't know better he would have thought the car was an automatic.