How much time to warm the engine?

[theizzardking]

Howdy! I'm in West U. And the client I'm currently working for is across US 59 in Greenway Plaza. So my drive to and from work is just over 2 miles.

As usual, thanks for the responses, guys. It only gets down in the 40s down here during winter time. Sometimes in the 30s, but only for a few days. I think the challenge that most people deal with here is the high temp and humidity. Uggh.

High temps are far worse then anything even on your battery, and how cold are we talking here you know, in the 30's & 40'si wouldn't think the oil would be all that much thicker the in the 50's
It's not like we're talking tanks in siberia or anything, i would imagine that 5 minutes to be enough anywhere in the lower 48.

I'm used to aircooled motor where oil temp is everything, i once knew the oil temp in my motor from the oil pressure but i'm nowhere as in tune as i used to be but my point being is that i usually always let everything i own warm up, but to be honest i see this being far less of a problem in a modern engine with hydraulic lifters and most likely better machined channels for the oil to flow. Bottom line for me really is what does it hurt to take it slow make some coffee and not worry if damage happens or not, just let it warm up , you know why not?

 

[Satter]

Yeah, the heat here is the biggest problem on most cars here in Houston. The best thing I can do for overheating is keeping my rig in top condition - regular oil changes, proper tire inflation, scheduled maintance, and monitoring the coolant levels. But our rigs have small engines. So, they rev higher than bigger engines. Because of this I presume they work harder and wear more. However, if we weren't confident about the dependabilities of our engines I don't think a lot of us would be here. Toyota engines, specially the 2.7L and 3.4L have proven their dependability and durability time and time again. And, in this regard, they have stood up to their American counterparts very well.

 

[cek77]

I guess cause I'm a gas miser I don't let a car warm up. I always start and go. I take it easy until its warm but I hate wasting gas. My commuter is a Tdi golf and I travel 635 miles a week. Every little bit of saving helps. I will let it run if I have to clean snow off to help defrost faster.

 

[004Gunner]

I start up and go. Since cold start ups result in a higher rpm, I barely have to touch the throttle to drive out of my apartment complex. After a stop light or two i'm usually just under normal operating temp before getting on the highway. Gentle driving is a more efficient way of warming up an engine than just idling, plus Dexron III and 5W-30 have a perfectly acceptable viscocity in cold temps.

 

[RHeld24]

Letting your engine idle long doesn't hurt it, you may just waste a few cents in gas, a small price to make sure that your engine is properly lubricated. It may however put more wear on your catalytic converter, as cold idling engines run richer (the reason for the coolant temp sensor mod - Dr Z's ECT Mod).

Also, if you read the 10 or so pages on oil that Bob has put together, Oil-101 through Oil-110, (Welcome) you would be surprised how poorly oil flows at start-up.

After reading this, I let my truck warm up just a little longer than I used to... :

 

[Qyota]

I start up and go. Since cold start ups result in a higher rpm, I barely have to touch the throttle to drive out of my apartment complex. After a stop light or two i'm usually just under normal operating temp before getting on the highway. Gentle driving is a more efficient way of warming up an engine than just idling, plus Dexron III and 5W-30 have a perfectly acceptable viscocity in cold temps.

This.

 

[Qyota]

Oil in both the tranny and motor do two things: provide lubrication and cooling, with the only difference is that the tranny also needs the fluid to provide hydraulic power.

No kidding? How warm do you think your trans fluid gets by idling in the driveway on a zero degree morning? All you're doing is wasting fuel and loading your catalytic converter up with unburned hydrocarbons.

Read this: Anti-Idling Primer: Every Minute Counts

But hey, its your 4R, drive it as you see fit. :thumb3:

Thanks, I will!

 

[koulee]

No kidding? How warm do you think your trans fluid gets by idling in the driveway on a zero degree morning? All you're doing is wasting fuel and loading your catalytic converter up with unburned hydrocarbons.

Read this: Anti-Idling Primer: Every Minute Counts



Thanks, I will!

How much damage do you think you are causing because the oil is too thick to flow?

And yes, keep driving it like that and then report back to us when your tranny and motor fails.

 

[creatix]

only if your super anal, i wouldn't worry about it, it's not bad enough that if you idle for 50 hours your not going to damage anything, lol, think about how much tiem your truck is at idle when operating,stop and go traffic, lights, picking somone up, ect ec ect..

it's not something to worry about.

I agree with the above it all bores down to personal preference and the mechanical condition of the vehicle. For example I've noticed that if my old 4TR is not started for over a week the unrestored/original auto transmission will not engage and then very sluggishly catch on for the roll. So I have to let her warm up for solid 15 mins - in the summer - to reinvigorate the tranny. Otherwise she runs fine strong enough to tow over a ton anytime needed.

 

[004Gunner]

How much damage do you think you are causing because the oil is too thick to flow?

And yes, keep driving it like that and then report back to us when your tranny and motor fails.

If you're that worried about cold weather start ups, you would be better served by putting in a block heater. That is a far greater benefit than idling until warm. You can also look at the oil grades and the temperature ranges they are designed to properly function at within your owner's manual. There you will see that 5W-30 properly functions as a lubricant under a very broad temperature range. Dexron III has a pour point of -49° F so again, no need to worry about proper flow at colder temps.