Clutch-less shifting: good/bad? doit/don't?

[DHenry]

Back in my "formative years" (25 years ago), I drove an 18-wheeler for a couple of years. When learning to drive it, I was told that I didn't (always) need to use the clutch to shift if I used the proper technique. So after I got it rolling in low-low, I'd never use the clutch when rowing up and down through ump-teen gears.



So what about this method for our rigs, especially the 6-speed? Is it ill-advised?

 

[John Berger]

That's a no-no

There are many on this board who know more about this than I do, but I would say don't do it. The NV4500 and NV5600 both utilize gear synchros. Clutchless shifting is supposed to be pretty hard on them. I'd use the clutch.



John

 

[South Bend Clutch]

DHenry,



Personally I would not advise you to do it. I believe that it would be hard on your synchronizers. Some people might me able to get away with it though.





These trucks are awesome but they are not a Peterbuilt, White, Volvo or any other big rig. Just not the same kind of BEAST!!



This is only my opinion.



Peter

 

[Sean Flanagan]

I still do it out of habit... Hasn't hurt anything yet.



275k miles on last truck. Clutch replaced at 190k because of slave cylinder failure.

Almost 100k on this one (NV4500).



Synchros doing just fine.



My buddy has the same old habits. In his car hauling biz, where he regularly hauls 20k+ lbs he doesn't use the clutch. He has 140k on his '98 with a 5-speed and 35k on his '01 with the six speed.

 

[jstyer]

No Clutch

I also learned to drive a semi with the same guidance for clutchless shifting and it worked fine on the big truck. The six speed in our trucks do not like this treatment and if you do a search, I remember back a month or so reading a post discussing this and listing the reasons NOT TO SHIFT WITHOUT THE CLUTCH ,but I cant remember the thread.

 

[DHenry]

Apologies for not searching first

Thanks to those who've replied. I'm a doofus for not searching first. Looks like this topic has been discussed more than once! For starters:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=11141

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=10940



The consensus appears to be: "The truck's got synchros, so use the clutch!"



Anyway, my apologies for not searching first and bothering you folks.

 

[jstyer]

No Need to Apologize

There is no need to apologize for not searching first. Remeber the only "DUMB QUESTION" is the one you don't ask! I'm glad you were able to find the info you needed.

 

[brobeson]

Don't do it!

It's bad!