LAC crankwalk prevention, clutch-out starting

[auditude at cox.net]

While looking at some stuff about engine lubrication, following a recent 200q20v list thread, I was reading about crankwalk on the DSM motors.  Whatever the cause, it seems that a feature found on (at least the earlier) Audis can help prevent this problem.

The ability to start the car without the clutch in cars like my Coupe GT minimizes the pressure against the thrust bearing while the cranking oil pressure is low.  That makes sense.

I had read that despite being able to start the car with the clutch out, it is better to push it in so that it is easier on the starter.  I guess the extra weight would come from the clutch disc, and tranny input shaft, and whatever is connected to it inside the tranny.

I've never heard of crankwalk problems on an Audi I5, so it may not be an issue.  I do have a friend that smashed the family freezer chest in the garage on _two_ occasions while starting his Coupe GT in 1st gear.  If I recall correctly, that freezer had to different bumper prints in it from the various ride heights the car had.

So, I guess I can turn this thing I read into a question. Since many or all of us are able to start our cars clutch-out, is it a good idea to do so?

Since starters are easier to replace than thrust bearings, my car doesn't have a starting problem this way, and it's kinda cool, I'm leaning towards clutch-out starting as a policy.  I think I tend to put the clutch in normally tho'.

The post I read was here:
http://www.racingknowledge.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=185

Ken