buellrunner

Hey all,

I decided to start my 964 in here in Toronto yesterday. It was -7C outside. I hadnt started it in a few weeks.

I went to start it and it fired up first crank.

Im running synth oil etc...

Oil pressure went to around 4 bars and then 3.5 then once warm right up to 5.

Is cold starting in this cold weather bad for my motor?

Cheers!

breale01

Check out the recent thread "Running Engine during Winter Storage' just a little ways down.

Oracle

If the engine hadn't run in months the best thing you can do is pull the fuel relay and crank until pressure builds up.. then put the relay on and crank to start the car.. then idle for 30 seconds and start driving gently unil the needle is close to normal temp.. then you can start driving as intended...

If the car hasn't run in years it a different procedure...

Indycam

The only real concern in cold weather is the pour point of the oil .
As long as the temperature of the oil is above the pour point temperature ,
your motor does not care how cold it is on start up .

Our motors are flat , the oil around the pistons does not drain down and away from the cylinders while the motor is off . The pistons / cylinders stay wet with oil .
The oil pump that pumps oil into the motor is fed from the dry sump tank .
In other cars , the oil pick up from the pan type , the oil pump and pick up can drain of oil . On start up the oil pump might need to suck up oil and reprime itself .

The "dry" restart that can happen with other cars is not so much of a concern with our cars , imho .

What oil do you have in your car and what is the pour point for that oil ?

Nine11

Are you driving the vehicle? If not, I don't see the reason for starting it up...I've always been under the guidance that the engine should alway get up to full operating temp.

Indycam

"the oil film will cling for a long time."
http://flytheengine.blogspot.com/

http://www.sacskyranch.com/corrosion.htm

"Final thoughts
•Change your aircraft engine oil frequently, based on manufacturer recommendations.
•Fly your plane monthly to reduce the effects of rust and corrosion on engine components. That doesn't mean starting-up and idling the engine for 10 minutes. You must fly the plane to allow the moisture to dissipate."

Bull

You have been well guided.