My work commute just got cut down to 2 miles. Most days, I'm driving 2 miles here, then 2 miles there, and maybe 2 miles to lunch inbetween. Is there a problem with running the engine on short hops like this day after day? I usually take some longer drives twice a week. Ambient temperature is rarely less than 40 degrees where I live and the gauge reads that I'm at operating temperature pretty quickly. Is this good enough or should I blow it out every day?
Re: How long to warm up to "operating temperture?"
kenc, I am just about in the same boat your in,your idea of geting a good run weekly should keep the electicial system charged up.
I know that what gas cost are now, but 20 min run time is long enough for recharging the battery.
THe tritions warm up pretty fast and at 40° , no problem...
TR
Re: How long to warm up to "operating temperture?"
I drive 4 miles to work & 4 miles home. Rarely more than that except on weekends. I always let the truck run 5-10 minutes in the AM (colder than 20) and a couple of min. in the evening when coming home. Heater/defroster seems to really start working about the time I reach my destination. The only ill effects that I've noticed is poor fuel economy and a "need" to change oil more frequently (every 3k).
With warmer temps and an occasional long trip, you're being a lot nicer to your engine than I am to mine.
Re: How long to warm up to "operating temperture?"
If you happened to get a block-heater with your truck putting it on a timer for a couple hours before you leave will at least get it warm on the way to work. If you don't have a block heater then don't pay any attention to me.
Re: How long to warm up to "operating temperture?"
I can't speak to your particular concerns but, for what it's worth, I've had gauges on my truck since almost new (see below)and can say that your water temp gauge will hit that "just under 50%" point at about 150F. It will stay there until the t-stat opens at 195F and, in my experience, stay there long after. You probably are not driving long enough to open your t-stat in these little trips and this stagnant radiator fluid would be a cause for worry if you weren't driving it longer twice a week. I don't think there's a problem here.
The fellow that just feels heat when arriving at work should be more cautious. This fluid for the heating coil comes right off the water jacket so he's getting the same temp that the pistons are getting. On the other hand, what the heck you gonna do if you live in Pt. Barrow or someplace? Get some plugs for the radiator intake, let the engine warm up good, and don't romp with it.
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