Engine Braking in a Manual
06-27-2006, 11:35 PM
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Engine Braking in a Manual
I figured I would ask here since google isn't helping me much.
As you all know, I have and love a Cavalier with a manual tranny. I downshift a lot to slow down and pretty much anytime I am coming to a stop. Obviously the engine runs at a pretty high RPM while doing this, but my question is how much gas is it using? None? Same as idle? A bunch?
I was just kinda curious since I am getting substantially less MPG than the last owners....but that is probably due to other driving habits....
As you all know, I have and love a Cavalier with a manual tranny. I downshift a lot to slow down and pretty much anytime I am coming to a stop. Obviously the engine runs at a pretty high RPM while doing this, but my question is how much gas is it using? None? Same as idle? A bunch?
I was just kinda curious since I am getting substantially less MPG than the last owners....but that is probably due to other driving habits....
06-27-2006, 11:37 PM
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i dont kno how much but u are using more gas and wearing on the clutch
i dont downshift, i just use the brakes. the way i see it is, brakes are much easier to change than a clutch
i dont downshift, i just use the brakes. the way i see it is, brakes are much easier to change than a clutch
06-27-2006, 11:39 PM
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i tend to downshift to slow down....i like the sound 
I'd imagine you're using more gas...but I don't see how it could be bad for the clutch.
I'd imagine you're using more gas...but I don't see how it could be bad for the clutch.
06-27-2006, 11:40 PM
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Originally Posted by VigCS
i tend to downshift to slow down....i like the sound
I'd imagine you're using more gas...but I don't see how it could be bad for the clutch.
I'd imagine you're using more gas...but I don't see how it could be bad for the clutch.
06-27-2006, 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by ELMACHOGERACHO
i dont kno how much but u are using more gas and wearing on the clutch
i dont downshift, i just use the brakes. the way i see it is, brakes are much easier to change than a clutch
i dont downshift, i just use the brakes. the way i see it is, brakes are much easier to change than a clutch
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06-27-2006, 11:52 PM
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Originally Posted by jr's3800
Originally Posted by ELMACHOGERACHO
i dont kno how much but u are using more gas and wearing on the clutch
i dont downshift, i just use the brakes. the way i see it is, brakes are much easier to change than a clutch
i dont downshift, i just use the brakes. the way i see it is, brakes are much easier to change than a clutch
06-27-2006, 11:59 PM
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Now hold on a second...
Would the motor really be using more gas? I think it would depend entirely on whether you feather the throttle on the downshift. Are there mechanisms for opening the throttle plate and adding fuel on a downshift? If not, wouldn't the motor basically be "freewheeling" when it races after letting the clutch out? If you're not adding more air (and consequently more fuel) by pressing on the foot feed, is it actually using more gas? My guess would be no.
Now the clutch is another story. I would agree that brakes are much cheaper and less labor intensive than a new clutch.
Would the motor really be using more gas? I think it would depend entirely on whether you feather the throttle on the downshift. Are there mechanisms for opening the throttle plate and adding fuel on a downshift? If not, wouldn't the motor basically be "freewheeling" when it races after letting the clutch out? If you're not adding more air (and consequently more fuel) by pressing on the foot feed, is it actually using more gas? My guess would be no.
Now the clutch is another story. I would agree that brakes are much cheaper and less labor intensive than a new clutch.
06-28-2006, 07:39 AM
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Whne downshifting, you're supposed to use the brakes AND the engine, not just the engine. Most passenger vehicle drivetrains aren't really built to take the stress of doing their jobs and the brake'* job as well.
The only time I have used just the downshift to slow my vehicle is when, for whatever reason, I don't want "someone" to see any brake lights.....
The only time I have used just the downshift to slow my vehicle is when, for whatever reason, I don't want "someone" to see any brake lights.....
06-28-2006, 08:00 AM
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i've driven a stick for most of my driving time and i've done both engine braking and normal braking... i couldn't tell you that it uses more gas but i also don't let it rev really high in the RPMs either. but i can share this with you. that comment about the drivetrain not being able to take the stress is 100% TRUE! i was in my Jeep (offroad but not hardcore) and was engine braking, i heard a LOUD bang and smelled burnt friction plate... i blew out the clutch plates completly... i have to grind gears like a mother to get it to a shop to fix it. ran me $600!! it WAS a new clutch untill it blew, and when it did there was nothing left of it. so i'd go easy on the engine braking