I heard once that 70% of the wear in an engine is caused at start up and therefore engines should be warmed up to allow expansion of the block so that the piston rings do not score deeper into the bore - seems to make logical sense to me I have also heard that this is a myth? (modern engines do not require it) What is the true story and what are the facts on this? Does anyone have links about this being fact (from a reputable site with integrity) Regards JC
Wear on startup, I think is true. However IMO it is only on startup. I don't warm up before I drive away, but I do not boost until at operating temps.
I usually watch oil temp come up before giving it any -this is way more important to me than coolant temp. Likewise I don't leave it idling but just start and drive gently.
I normally wait for the idle to drop down which is about 3 minutes and obviously works on internal combustion temps (more so than oil and/ or water) I also agree with both you guys and don't boost until its at operating temp Just locked into a serious debate at the moment - with its all myth and the links provided being that state this ! (contrary to some other sites) hence this post Cheers JC
I read many years ago an international article on this in the South African motoring magazine called "CAR" and went along these lines. Two identical engines were used for this test, both engines were radiated and were equally affected with (safe limit) radiation. One engine was started and driven off and the other was left to idle up to temp then driven off. The end result was the oil with the most radio active particles was the motor that was left to idle until warm and not the one that was started and driven with restraint until at operating temp.
Start car and drive under 3500rpm to operating temperature . The quicker to operating temp the better. The Idling first is the myth part. My haltech won't let me go over 3500rpm til 70 degrees.. Which helps my right foot .
i beleive it does help a little. i start up, then allow to idle for 30 seconds to a minute before i go. just gives everything a chance to build a little pressure, get a little heat into it before going. not much, just that little bit before being on my way. i wont give full throttle till the temp gauge has moved, which for me is a couple of minutes after startup normally.
Usually by the time I get to the freeway on ramp. near home. Not helpful I know... Probably 10 minutes? But loads of variables. Longer than it takes coolant to get to temp. Aftermarket gauges are cheap and relatively easy to fit... Would be a good investment.
If I even tried to warm mine up the neighbours would kill be!! I leave for the gym at 6am, luckily i'm on a hill so i start and roll for a bit, but as the othr say, i dont boost until the temps in the middle
This is the problem I am having being in a townhouse strata situation. Its not the noise, its the neighbour saying that the exhaust gas travels down the complex and flows into his door, he couldn't be bothered to close his door, but would rather walk the extra 10 times distance and use 50 times more energy to abuse me with a filthy mouth than simply close his door for five minutes maximum. So its become a strata issue. I only start it in the middle of the day, but like to idle it for just a few minutes because I was under the impression that the block hasn't expanded and putting a load on the vehicle (moving the weight of the car) means that wear is larger than otherwise, not being under load at what is determined to be a critical point in wear on the engine (until the block has expanded). I was told this when I did my mechanical engineering courses but I also know that modern materials can affect this (i.e. not cast iron with poorer tolerances vs aluminium composites with finer tolerances) but seems that it is hard to get any definitive proof other than blogs to provide the strata with at the moment. Cheers Jamie
Sounds a lot like.. You just have neighbor problem; not an engine wear problem. I was taught that the best way to warm up an engine is not to let it idle for long periods; but to drive it. (gently of course.. until temperature is up to rec spec etc). Might be better for you to start it and drive off immediately mate - seriously - neighbour to neighbour disputes never end nicely. (No matter who's right) Cheers Chris
Most Owners Manual say this.... The following is from the 300ZX Owners manual. My Honda Civic says similar. Cold oil, tight parts etc all contribute to premature engine wear and part failures. only 30 seconds and moderate speeds until at operating temp which is 2 minutes or so. I have seen people take off like a racing car out of their driveways and that cannot be good for an engine. MichaelZ
