Clutch/foot question

[hcanning]

Quick question... I keep thinking to myself that my clutch operation leaves a lot to be desired, in that I have to "reposition" my foot everytime I release the clutch, and I can't simply keep the heel pretty much in one place and pivot it, due to the pedal travel.

Is this a problem? Any techniques?

[Pigeon]

I don't think I've driven a car in which pivoting the clutch foot on the heel has suggested itself as a viable option. Pedal travel, pedal effort and pedal arc are always such as to prevent it. Even in my Morris Minor which had short-travel floor-mounted pedals, the effort required still dictated lifting the whole foot off the floor and giving the pedal a good shove with the leg.

[p1esk]

I've never attempted to keep my left foot in one position and operate the clutch pedal by pivotting at the heel. If no clutch activity is required I usually rest my foot in various other positions.

On longish journeys I even try to give my right foot a rest and change of position when descending long hills on a closed throttle.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[hcanning]

OK it seems I'm not quite alone. I don't lift my foot off the floor and "press forward" with my whole leg as such, it just seems like the way I do it, then reposition, etc, doesn't lend itself to quick gearchanges!

And yes I always rest my clutch foot to the left too, and the accelerator foot on longer journeys, cruise control is great

[1950trevorP]

hcanning said:

it just seems like the way I do it, then reposition, etc, doesn't lend itself to quick gearchanges!

And the advantage to quick gearchanges is?

Would you label these gearchanges as "quick"? :-

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fTScu7jOJd0&feat...

[hcanning]

Point taken

[Loki_]

Am I wrong to not have my heel on the floor when using the clutch? I find that keeping my heel on the floor doesn't work, as my pedals have a rubbery surface and my shoe won't slide over them as I press my foot down...

[p1esk]

Loki_ said:

Am I wrong to not have my heel on the floor when using the clutch? I find that keeping my heel on the floor doesn't work, as my pedals have a rubbery surface and my shoe won't slide over them as I press my foot down...

No, I don't think you're wrong. In most cases it doesn't seem possible to operate a clutch pedal and keep your heel on the floor. I'm pretty sure I've never done it, and I don't think it matters.

The accelerator pedal is the only one where you need to rest your heel on the floor, and control of that pedal would be very difficult and uncomfortable if you were not able to do so.

Best wishes all,
Dave.