VinnyC

Since I don't get to drive my new 964 Turbo that much, it sits in the garage. Is it bad to start the car, let it run for a while and then shut it off without driving it? I'd like to do this to keep it running and keep the battery charged. Any opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Sameer

What I've been told is to let it idle for a minute or two, than just take it for a short drive around your neighbourhood, this way you get to run in your gears too. Just letting it sit there and idle is not too good as it just builds up more and more heat. Pls correct me if I'm wrong guys but this is what I heard and I feel makes sense.

03-turbo911

I don't think that starting it and leaving it running will charge the battery, on the contrary, it will drain it.

Miles965uk

Porsche says to drive off striaght away- i think this makes senses because the oil circulates and the gears to.

Sameer

Drive it off but at low revs and no boost till it gets upto operating temp but dont just let it sit there and idle

cobalt

I have always believd in letting it idle until the WUR kicks down about a min or two blipping the gas on occasion, and then I drive it around the block a bit until the temp comes up. This way you don't have to worry about condensation in the oil. I did this for 19 years with my 911 and it never showed any problems. Definetly stay off the boost until the temp is up.

Sameer

i have to agree with Anthony 100%.

Geoffrey

Most of the engine wear occurs at startup and when the engine is cold as the tolerances are more tight and the oil is cold. You'll want to start the car and drive it immediately which will warm the engine. Obviously high loads and boost should be avoided until normal operating temperature has been reached.

Allowing the engine to idle will prolong the warmup process and therefore allow for more engine wear.

Sameer

Goffrey,

Dont you have to wait for the oil to travel around the engine before driving it out straight away? Would'nt there be more wear and tear just driving it out straight away before the oil lubricates the engine?

cobalt

I may be mistaken but I was always told the purpose of the WUR was to keep the RPMS higher to circulate the oil through the engine until the oil temp achieved 95 degrees. (which happens relatively quickly) Once this was accomplished it would be safe to drive slow until operating temp was achieved. I was also told that driving the car prior to this was worse because the cold oil created higher than normal pressures internally and not evenly distributed throughout the engine. Is it possible that idling for a min or two once in a while can create enough wear to be significant over the life of the car?.

One thing I have always done if the car was sitting for long periods without being started was to disconnect the coil and crank the engine a few times to push oil through the engine. then reconnect and start the car. Is this of any value?

Miles965uk

One thing I have always done if the car was sitting for long periods without being started was to disconnect the coil and crank the engine a few times to push oil through the engine. then reconnect and start the car. Is this of any value?[/QUOTE]

Hey Cobalt,
Dont you think doing this is the same as trying to start an engine that is not firing- ive heard that fuel being injected without being used can cause damage thats why you should keep turning an engine over and over... correct me if im wrong

cobalt

Guess I left out the part about removing the fuel pump relay also. Sorry.

Sameer

What does the factory manual say?

JBH

Good question!

Manual says...
"Never leave the engine idling. When starting engine, be ready to drive immediately. Maintain moderate speed until engine is warm"

At cold temperatures the manual states:
"Do not let the engine idle to warm it up. After starting, drive vehicle at moderate speeds and avoid engine speeds above 4500 rpm during the first five minutes."

03-turbo911

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the factory warning against letting the car idle related to emissions?