How to avoid "slipping clutch" while drivingrange?

[bmassaer]

We find it very difficult moving this heavy van from standstill in first gear, especially on a hill or in traffic jam. When we just had our Cali, the engine often shut down when starting to drive - the mechanic told us everything was ok but we had to push the gas pedal more.
Right now I am afraid we risk damaging the clutch because we - my wife, in fact ;-)) - hold the gear pedal to long being afraid the engine would shut down.

Is there anything more we van do to prevent this?

 

[cpjb@btinternet.com]

I can only comment on my 180 manual I'm afraid, but only very gentle acceleration is needed to get the van initially started, and then it almost immediately needs 2nd gear (see recent other thread on this).

The other thing i've noticed if this helps, is that in 2nd or 3rd gear when in traffic you can take your foot of the accelerator and it will still propel itself along without stalling albeit at a lower sped. Also very useful where there are low speed restrictions in camp sites etc. Something to do with it being a diesel I was previously told.