Ken-
I hate to dump cold water on your procedure, but here are my comments:
1. Cars are no longer meant to warm up before being driven. The best
thing that you can do for your motor is leave right away after starting,
especially in mild weather. Idleing will tend to foul the plugs
and contributes alot to air pollution until the enriched mode is
completed. Placing the engine under load and burning more fuel
as a result will warm the engine much more quickly than at idle.
That being said, let me say that having heat before starting out
to keep the windshield frost free in cold weather is a good idea.
2. The main factor in being able to rev a motor safely is the oil
temperature. The oil flows much better when its hot, and it will
protect the bearings to a higher rev limit than when cold. It also
takes much longer to heat up than the water.
Just my $.02. Best wishes for a happy holiday.
-Jim.
'87 V6 auto 4x4
> Here, in Dallas, we don't have winter "from October to March" like
> you must, where ever you live. For instance, it was 71 and sunny
> yesterday, Dec. 22. As for staying home from work due to weather,
> not much of that, either.
>
> I guess I would rather warm it up idling so I can stomp and go, instead
> of having to drive sedately anytime!
>
> Filter? I usually get the Purolator Heavy Duty (a bit larger than
> large). Pep Boys always has it on the shelf and I'm not too picky,
> especially after spending $15 on oil.
>
> klm
>
> >>> "Actor Troy McClure" <scottv@msn.fullfeed.com> 12/23/96
> 02:44am >>>
> Ken wrote:
>
> > Since new, I have let the Dak, upon starting, run for:
> >
> > 2 min if the outside temp is 65 or higher
> > 3-4 min if 32-65
> > 5+ min if less than 32
> > Stay home w/ the wife if below zero
> >
> > klm
>
> Jeez! Letting it idle for five minutes every day from October to
> March seems a
> little bit excessive. Plus I'd have to do it twice: Once when I leave
> home and
> once when I leave work.
>
> -Scott Vieth http://www.msn.fullfeed.com/~scottv
>
> '97 Dakota Sport 4x4 Club Cab, 5.2L/5-spd
--
James A. Babcock, Software Engineer email: james.a.babcock@adn.alcatel.com
Alcatel Data Networks WWW: http://www.adn.alcatel.com
Ashburn, Virginia USA personal web page: http://www.dogwood.com/~jbabcock
Give blood -- it's a great feeling!!!
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