Oil temp
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 599
Likes: 2
From: Sussex, UK
I read the manual and couldn't find any references although there are 4 (at least) engine wear related reasons why i keep the load low while the engine warms up... Even though that takes 6 - 8 miles... I'm certainly no expert on engine technology but i do understand the following phenomena well... I thought it worth putting these out there to demystify the subject...in summary;
1 - the pistons and block warm up and expand at different rates... Until stabilised the 'fit' of the piston and seals inside the cylinder wall is not suitable for high load... This is more related to coolant temperature but the next three both relate to oil temp....
2 - the oil viscosity reduces dramatically with temperature and will not provide adequate lubrication until the oil temp is high... Thus allowing wear.
3 - water condensate and other contaminants enter the oil when it cools... These need to boil off before the oil lubrication properties are optimum... And this requires the oil to be at high temp
4 - some oils change their molecular structure as they warm up and need to go through this change before the oil lubricates as designed... Hence high temp again
1 - the pistons and block warm up and expand at different rates... Until stabilised the 'fit' of the piston and seals inside the cylinder wall is not suitable for high load... This is more related to coolant temperature but the next three both relate to oil temp....
2 - the oil viscosity reduces dramatically with temperature and will not provide adequate lubrication until the oil temp is high... Thus allowing wear.
3 - water condensate and other contaminants enter the oil when it cools... These need to boil off before the oil lubrication properties are optimum... And this requires the oil to be at high temp
4 - some oils change their molecular structure as they warm up and need to go through this change before the oil lubricates as designed... Hence high temp again
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 88
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
With a manual, I don't think Sport Mode has any impact except how much noise you here in the cabin and on the suspension. In other words, I can be in Sport Mode in a cold car so long as I drive conservatively.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 88
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 30
From: Between Stuttgart and Maranello
I try to drive gently (<4000RPM) in normal mode until the oil is up to temp. I have not timed or counted miles but have noticed it seems to take a long time to reach normal operating temp. However, that may just be my impatience while waiting to put the hammer down ( in a safe and legal manner, of course
).
There is one other unusual thing I have noticed. When the car does reach operating temp, the needle seems to almost jump from cold to the normal "warmed up" temp. I check it frequently and one moment it's still cold, the next fully warm. Has anyone else noticed this?
). There is one other unusual thing I have noticed. When the car does reach operating temp, the needle seems to almost jump from cold to the normal "warmed up" temp. I check it frequently and one moment it's still cold, the next fully warm. Has anyone else noticed this?