Hello List,

This is my first post to the list.  I drive a 97 Transporter with a 2.4
liter diesel engine.  My question concerns using the second gear from a
standing start.  Is this advisable and are there any disadvantages to doing
this?  Where we live, we see a lot of diesel vans such as Fords and
Mitsubishi.  My brother-in-law has a Ford van and I'm told that the 2nd
gear is often used and the first gear is used only occassionally (for
example on inclines and with a heavy load).

Andy Chiu
'97 Transporter Diesel