Cold start procedure?

[911cabby]

Hi guys,
I am a new owner and confused about start up procedures:

Option #1- let engine warm up for 5 mins then go-
Option#2- never let car idle-just get in and go-

Which is best and why? there seems to be some conflicting views on this topic?

[Sunroof]

You did not indicate what year you have.

With all 911's you start and go! Never sit at idle awaiting a warm up. You'll warm up faster and 911's run best at operating temps.

If you have a hand throttle, its necesary to lift and go as well although your screaming down the street at high rpms!

[psalt]

There are conflicts because "best" is not defined. (best for what ?)

A cold start creates the majority of engine wear on a road car. "Best" for wear would be to only start it once. Most of the interest in this issue concerns fuel economy, the engine will warm up quicker under load and use less fuel per trip than if you warm it up idling. Porsche has some weird ideas on this subject because they say it is fine for a cold engine to run over 2000 rpm with no load. A good compromise is to start the car without touching the throttle and move off as soon as the drivability makes it safe on the road, and do not exceed 3500 rpm until the oil temp is up to normal. More importantly, never start the car unless you can drive it until the oil temperature burns off the water. You make a gallon of water for every gallon of gas you burn.

[longhornchris04]

Knowing what engine you have may change some details... but in general if you start it up, don't dilly-dally with idling.

Start her up, wait for the idle to settle (like 30 sec) and then go. Then drive it gently... stay under 3-4k. Also, I try to stay above 1500 with any load to ensure the engine doesn't lug. I keep it this way until the oil temps get above 180 indicated. On a cold day, that's about as warm as it gets.

The only time I ever start the car and don't let it get to temp is when I'm adjusting something underneath and its on a lift / jackstands. As soon as I'm finished, I take her out to burn off any water that gets in the oil. This often requires taking 'the long way' to work in the morning.

[911cabby]

Sorry its an 1987 3.2 Carrera- I've always thought warming it up abit before departure was good to get the oil warm/flowing.... I just want to make sure I'm doing whats best to prolong the life of my old engine!

[stlrj]

Since most wear is done within the first few minutes of startup, you might consider a lighter weight motor oil.

[tcar]

Originally Posted by 911cabby

Sorry its an 1987 3.2 Carrera- I've always thought warming it up abit before departure was good to get the oil warm/flowing.... I just want to make sure I'm doing whats best to prolong the life of my old engine!

Thanks, always tell us the year, model and mileage (you can put the year and model in your signature).

As others stated, the FASTER you warm up the oil, the better. That means a load on the engine, not idling. Drive easily, low RPM's, no lugging.

A lighter oil is not usually recommended. Use 15/50. Not enough protection when it does get warm.

Cold engine is relative, do you drive it in the winter there?

Hand throttles were gone a decade before yours was made.