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startup procedure

 
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BigAl
P4


Joined: 06 May 2003
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 01, 2007 4:45 pm    Post subject: startup procedure Reply with quote

I currently satrt my car without touching the throttle and after about 10 seconds drive off and never go above 2.5-3k rpm until car is at full running temp.
Someone just advised that i should wait for at least 2 mins before driving, allowing oil viscosity to normalise and oil pressure to level.
Is this an overkill or good practice?
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john 33_16v
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Joined: 27 May 2005
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 01, 2007 5:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi,

Whilst leaving the car for 2 minutes certainly wont do any harm, i think what you're doing is probably enough. Maybe wait a bit longer as it gets colder (the weather!)

Main thing boxers like is regular oil changes, especially on the 16v to avoid the camshaft lobes disappearing.

John
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Admin
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Joined: 19 Feb 2003
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Location: Stafford, UK

PostPosted: Mon Oct 01, 2007 7:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi

Oil pressure will be round the engine rapidly (unless you have a totally empty engine, or are running rediculously viscous oil, or are using it in artic conditions), and oil temperature will barely have changed in 2 minutes.

But you are prolonging the time it is running on "choke", which means more petrol to wash the oil from the bores.

All the best

Keith
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BigAl
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 2:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

John, I most defiantly do regular oil changes and check levels once a week, I learnt my lesson after spinning a big end bearing after cornering hard and fast at high revs on one of my 8v’s, found out after that my oil was low.

Admin, I remember a friend saying that in the owners book for a 4x4, cant remember, it actually said, drive as soon as possible after starting and don’t let it idle, confirming bore wash you think?

The guy who suggested it said something along the lines of cold oil having higher viscosity and therefore lower oil pressure until it is run for a bit, allowing pressure to come back up.

Now I don’t know what to do???
Also leads onto a big debate as to what oil, I used to use Selinia, now I'm using shell helix, opinions please.
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john 33_16v
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

BigAl wrote:

Now I don’t know what to do???


I wouldn't loose slep over it. If you don't thrash a cold engine, you're probably ok.

Helix is the correct spec i think (semi-synth) for 16v. I use Mobil 1, and change it every 2 years, but this is at about 3-4 thousand miles.

There was a debate on here fairly recently started by Dick Flowers about API numbers. There' also a guy on the alfa145.co.uk forum (sells very expensive race oils) who seems to slag off most regular oils including 'fully' synthetic. I think i read a post of his that says that to be called 'fully synthetic', the manufacturer only has to mix in a tiny amount of synthetic material into mineral oil?? Rolling Eyes

My dad swears by good old Castrol GTX, and has used it for decades in loads of cars, and his classic bike, changed regularly, with no engine probs- touch wood!


John
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Admin
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Location: Stafford, UK

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

BigAl wrote:
Admin, I remember a friend saying that in the owners book for a 4x4, cant remember, it actually said, drive as soon as possible after starting and don’t let it idle, confirming bore wash you think?


Possible, or just that it is needless.

BigAl wrote:
The guy who suggested it said something along the lines of cold oil having higher viscosity and therefore lower oil pressure until it is run for a bit, allowing pressure to come back up.


Thicker oil will result in higher oil pressure.

My personal view is start up and drive / ride straight off, just keep the revs down (under half the red line) until the engine is good and warm.

All the best

Keith
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bobbber
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Joined: 14 May 2003
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 11:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Admin wrote:

My personal view is start up and drive / ride straight off, just keep the revs down (under half the red line) until the engine is good and warm.

All the best

Keith


I agree with Keith.... after all, an engine is SUPPOSED to be used...

Pull away from startup... just keep them revs below 3.5k until warm (about 75 degrees)

Bob
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BigAl
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 3:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

thanks guys, i will continue to do what i normally do Wink
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