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warm up time in cold weather?

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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 09:44 PM
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Default warm up time in cold weather?

hey fellas - I have an 997 s targa, and it is garaged parked home and work, where temp is 65 degrees. When driving it in the winter say sub freezing conditions, do most of you wait till the engine temp gets to at least 150? I thought about also waiting for oil temp to get around 150 but that seems to take longer and impractical. Any practical advice? It's my daily driver. thanks
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 09:52 PM
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I think the consensus here is to start it and go but keep the rpms down till the temp warms to 200 degrees
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 09:56 PM
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BTW, did you find the source of that noise? And how bout pics of your Targa!!!
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 10:27 PM
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The oil pressure gauge is your best insight into the engine's happiness. Watch how it behaves when the engine is idling.
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 10:32 PM
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Or you could go with what Porsche recommends:

> When starting the engine, be ready to drive
immediately.
Drive vehicle at moderate speeds and avoid
engine speeds above 4,200 rpm during the
first 5 minutes.

> Do not let the engine idle to warm up.
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 10:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Nugget
The oil pressure gauge is your best insight into the engine's happiness. Watch how it behaves when the engine is idling.
Definitely! Always below 4kRPM before oil is up to temp (>190F). I always like to start a cold engine letting it idle for a good 2 min before rolling.
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 10:45 PM
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I said pressure, not temperature. You can tell when the oil is moving well by watching the oil pressure when the engine is idling. When the oil is still thick the pressure will be at the top of the range even when idling, once the oil has thinned and is lubricating well the oil pressure will align more directly to RPM. That's the best indicator you've got for when it's safe to let the RPMs run the full range. It's a little bit complicated by the dry (or damp) sump in a 911 (as compared to a normal scavenged oil engine) but it's still the best bet.

I've always heard (and I'm pleased to see the manual agrees) that it's best to start and go, not idle at a standstill. The engine spends far less time running with compromised lubrication if you just drive right away but keep the revs low.
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 10:50 PM
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Yes, the company that built the car knows best. Start it, watch the oil pressure climb (about 5 seconds or less), then drive. The fastest and least damaging way to get your oil temperature up and flowing is to drive it. Letting it idle for several minutes has a very minimal effect on temperature, hence why Porsche says drive it!
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 11:12 PM
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guys are great, thanks a lot. much appreciated.
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 11:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Nugget
I said pressure, not temperature. You can tell when the oil is moving well by watching the oil pressure when the engine is idling. When the oil is still thick the pressure will be at the top of the range even when idling, once the oil has thinned and is lubricating well the oil pressure will align more directly to RPM. That's the best indicator you've got for when it's safe to let the RPMs run the full range. It's a little bit complicated by the dry (or damp) sump in a 911 (as compared to a normal scavenged oil engine) but it's still the best bet.

I've always heard (and I'm pleased to see the manual agrees) that it's best to start and go, not idle at a standstill. The engine spends far less time running with compromised lubrication if you just drive right away but keep the revs low.
Interesting observation. Good rule of thumb, but to push the engine you better have the oil at op temp.

I also agree that idling does not heat the engine significantly but modern engines go through a number of emissions-controlled idling adjustments and it does not hurt to let the engine settle before rolling.

In any case we all know that to hammer a cold engine is asking for trouble.
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 11:58 PM
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Tony Said:
In any case we all know that to hammer a cold engine is asking for trouble.
In the Olden days in the air cooled models Porsche said to start driving immediately and get going as soon as possible.
Of Course these new motors are works of art and quite a bit different.
Right now I think the 9A1 motor is the best one I have ever had. My previous motors were all
of the historic GT1 964 case motor. One TT, and two GT3's.
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