AD with a diesel...

[hougtimo]

Just got a question regarding "roadcraft" (or w/e) and driving a diesel.

I have just gone from a 3.2 miggy elite to a 1.9 (150) cdti astra sporthatch. It's got just over 202bhp and very generous torque figures (which i do not recall without digging the rr printout out). It's a lovely car, but has meant I have to change gears again (so refreshing to be in control of the gearbox again ).

I have a question about slowing down (say approaching a roundabout from 60mph). When I drove petrols, I would plop it down into 4th before braking, then just before the roundabout pop into 1st or 2nd, depending on the conditions. This always worked nicely as 9/10 times I could keep the car moving, and meant that I was ready to accelerate by the time I had approached the roundabout, if it was safe to do so.

Now, in the diesel, I can't do this. The torque from the engine starts "pushing" you along again, before you hit about 20mph. Not only does this cause a nasty, rushed gearchange, but it obviously isn't good for the car. I can't see a way around this apart from braking and changing gear simultaneously, which I was taught was a big no-no when I learnt to drive.

Does anyone else have this problem?

[vonhosen]

Do what gives you the best, most reliable, results. That may be taking an intermediary gear on the approach, it may be dipping the clutch whilst on the brake for a partial overlap, etc etc.

[Martin A]

Hi All

hougtimo said:

...it obviously isn't good for the car. I can't see a way around this apart from braking and changing gear simultaneously, which I was taught was a big no-no when I learnt to drive...

It seems that what you learned all those years ago was not explained quite correctly. Many people are taught specifics for one vehicle or type of vehicle but are not made aware that other vehicles may react differently. Declutching as the engine reaches idle speed, no matter what gear you are in will take care of the pushing problem. As vonhosen says another gear may be selected or you may favour a leisurely block change to the correct gear to get going.

Hope this helps

Best regards

Martin A

[HellDiver]

My Sporthatch was a 1.9CDTi-150 mapped to 200hp and 310lb-ft. Once over 40mph there's one gear you need - 6th. Does from 40 to 140+. 1st was pretty pointless if you're in a hurry, you just end up bouncing off the TC or limiter. 2nd, 4th, 6th. Ignore the odd gears.

[p1esk]

vonhosen said:

Do what gives you the best, most reliable, results. That may be taking an intermediary gear on the approach, it may be dipping the clutch whilst on the brake for a partial overlap, etc etc.

Don't get hung up on what some people may insist are the 'correct' ways of doing things. They might not suit you and your car.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[hougtimo]

Thanks for all the replies... I guess I was taught there is ONE right way to do everything. The AD instructor I had was an ex-police, Basil Fawlty type.

If my brakes weren't buggered, i'd be off out for a drive now!

[brisel]

Are the pedals set up for heel-and-toe?

[HellDiver]

On an Astra? No.

[hougtimo]

Actually, I find heel&toe remarkably easy on the astra. But again, I was taught that was a big no-no.

[alphadog]

hougtimo said:

Actually, I find heel&toe remarkably easy on the astra. But again, I was taught that was a big no-no.

Quite easy to control the brake and accelerator with the right foot in an Astra if you wish - mind you I have big feet!