Engine warm up, how long?

[Madracer]

I've just read that the 997 engine needs warming up before use. While I was not told this, by accident I have always had the engine running for some time before driving away but is there a definitive time for this or just up to running temperature will do?

 

[Helen Goff]

this is good advice for all Porsche (performance engines) but, you don't need to sit on your driveway for 10 mins warming the car up... just drive gently(by this i don't mean very slowly) for at least the first 3 miles and its a good idea to do the same when coming to the end of your trip.

but, Porsches are great at feeding the driver information, so learn to read/interpret the feel & noise of your car.

 

[circleace]

By the way, how are you enjoying the car??

 

[snarf]

The manual says:

Starting the engine
f Turn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.

f As soon as the engine starts, release the ignition key.

The first operation of the starter is ended automatically when the engine starts. If the engine does not start, subsequent starter operations will not be ended automatically. If the engine fails to start after 10 or 15 seconds of cranking:

f Wait about 10 seconds before engaging the starter again.

f 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.

f Do not let the engine idle to warm up.

 

[Rodney Naghar]

Some of the manual's advice may be environment friendly based.
I usually let the engine idle for 15-20 seconds where it changes from a faster to normal idle, then drive off keeping it below 4k revs until the coolant temp reaches 80, then wait another 5 minutes or so until the oil is up to temp (I don't have an oil temp guage) then hapilly give it the beans.

 

[Wills]

As far as I'm aware you should not have your car sat idling to warm it up, At idle oil pressure is low so there is an increased risk of engine wear.

Every manual I've ever read says "start it and drive it"

 

[Madracer]

OK thanks, start and drive it is......

Circleace, Only driven it a couple of times but had a good blast round the Dordogne last week, fab roads and made the most of the Sport mode...Superb performance, handling and all rounf feel great factor.

Hope to get back to France next week for a few days, inbetween building garage in the UK for it.

 

[spyderman]

ORIGINAL: snarf

f When starting the engine, be ready to drive immediately.

In Germany, its actually illegal (probably in towns) to sit with your engine idling to let it warm up!

 

[Helen Goff]

ORIGINAL: Madracer

OK thanks, start and drive it is......

Circleace, Only driven it a couple of times but had a good blast round the Dordogne last week, fab roads and made the most of the Sport mode...Superb performance, handling and all rounf feel great factor.

Hope to get back to France next week for a few days, inbetween building garage in the UK for it.

enjoy. these cars are made to be DRIVEN[8D]

 

[snarf]

ORIGINAL: Rodney Naghar

Some of the manual's advice may be environment friendly based.

In addition to minimising fuel consumption it also has something to do with extending the life of the catalytic converter, I believe there was an article in PP a while back that covered this.

 

[okellyt]

General Advice is as per the others - start it and drive it but ideally keep under 5000rpm and full acceleration until the oil reaches operating temperature, this is to optimize the oils protection of the engine.

 

[Madracer]

Again thanks for all the replies, I promise I'll start and drive!!...

Actually saw the article in this months GTPORSCHE mag, the 997 round Australia.....guess like most things you see in a paper, or mag, take with a pinch of salt.