How long should you let the engine warm up

[luckyal]

After starting the engine in the morning, how long should you let it warm up before pulling away ? Does the time increase in colder temperatures.
Thanks in advance !
Al

[ford3]

you are going to get alot of opinions on this question, so heres mine, i wait 10 to 15 seconds after the oil pressure is up , then i drive slow for a couple of miles to let all the other oils be circulated, trans and rear end, it does more harm to an engine by just sitting ideling and letting a lot of unburned gasses being circulated thru the engine and in the oil, its best to get the engine to operating temp as soon as possible

[Patrick L.]

Pretty much as Ford3 states. I start driving after I think the oil pressure is where it needs to be [ a few seconds] and then drive somewhat easy for the first mile.

[George Miller]

About the same also, just take it easy for a little while.

[P.S.]

I hang this handy "Engine warmer upper" device over the radiator before starting the car and remove it once the motometer hits the 140 degree range. When it's 60 degrees out, this usually takes between 5-6 minutes at high idle.

[JBill]

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I just wait until there's no "cough" when I poke the accelerator, and then I'm off.

[msmaron]

7.35 minutes 40 degree day, allows the temp to get to 160 degrees!

[Kohnke Rebabbitting]

Split skirt pistons are made just for that reason.

When the weather is cold is more so, but even summer when the engine is cold, when the cylinders, and pistons are at there smallest Diameter.

Upon starting, with cold oil there in not the protection you have with warm oil.

The biggest thing, Pistons expand first before the cylinders, and if you don't let them expand together, the piston can expand and score. This also goes for Rod, and Main Bearings. While Mains, and Rods don't score from that, the crank is not yet expanded to take up the excess clearance in the bearing, and then the babbitt gets undue stress.

Pistons can also crack in that condition.

[Drive Shaft Dave]

Give it about two or three minutes at moderate idle,then dont lean on it for another few miles let the oil and water temp come up some. This is how I do my engine.

[AL in NY]

I use Mobil 1 oil and I start it up and go just like a modern car.

[Rock Hornbuckle]

While we can never completely eliminate the adverse effects of cold starts, I like many of the methods posted on this thread. A buddy of mine lives in northeastern Montana where it gets below zero in the winter. He uses an electric block heater.

[roccaas]

30 seconds. After that the Carbon Monoxide begins to fog my brain, even with the carriage house door open.

[Skibb]

Originally Posted by P.S.

I hang this handy "Engine warmer upper" device over the radiator before starting the car and remove it once the motometer hits the 140 degree range. When it's 60 degrees out, this usually takes between 5-6 minutes at high idle.

PS, in my case I have two Motometers which just don't show any temperature reading at all. They are seated in the anti theft cap which raises the stem higher than the water level. Any suggestions.