Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site hp-pcd.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!seismo!hao!hplabs!hp-pcd!orstcs!hakanson
From: hakanson@orstcs.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: (1) shock absorbers (2) when to shif - (nf)
Message-ID: <1342@hp-pcd.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 15-Jul-83 03:30:05 EDT
Article-I.D.: hp-pcd.1342
Posted: Fri Jul 15 03:30:05 1983
Date-Received: Sat, 16-Jul-83 05:00:07 EDT
Sender: netnews@hp-pcd.UUCP
Organization: Hewlett-Packard, Corvallis OR
Lines: 26

#R:rlgvax:-81800:orstcs:3000003:000:1300
orstcs!hakanson    Jul 13 11:45:00 1983

In answer to your second question, Smokey Yunick responded in Popular
Science Magazine to a similar question.  According to him, it is very
difficult to damage your engine by "lugging" it down too low.  It is very
easy to cause excess wear or damage to your engine by revving it too high.

Of course, all this should be done within reason.  One way you could
hurt your engine by lugging it would be if the oil pressure went too low
to lubricate the engine under load.  Since an engine in good condition
can maintain oil pressure at or above idle speed, then you should be safe
at low rpm's.  Of course, it is uncomfortable to drive a bucking and
missing car, and you can't accelerate if you need to, but you won't be
damaging your engine, as long as detonation (pinging) isn't too severe.

As you can see, there are a lot of "ifs" involved.  It depends on the
condition of your car, the load involved, etc.  Basically, you are
advised to run the car at as low an RPM that is comfortable and still
provide adequate power to move the car.  Avoid excessive vibration and
pinging, but don't downshift unless you can't maintain a safe speed
(according to traffic conditions, etc.).  You will get better fuel
mileage (in GENERAL, of course) and less engine wear.

Marion Hakanson				hp-pcd!orstcs!hakanson