Date:         Thu, 16 Nov 2000 20:18:26 -0600
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@HIWAAY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@HIWAAY.NET>
Subject:      Re: winter vanagon complaint #2
Comments: To: Lawrence Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Larry, it would be interesting to get the response of the list on this. I base my
comments on 30 years of experience in living through and driving in some brutal
Alaska winters. I realize not everyone might want to go through the same routine I
have gone through until it is virtual habit. More than once in those cold climes I
have seen engines seize where the temp gauge said warm enough to go, but the oil
temp didn't agree, and upon drive off and opening the throttle the bearings ran dry
and the engine seized. But again, that was in an extreme environment. In warmer
climes it may not be necessary to wait that long. But I personally do like to have
full heat online when I start out on a cold day.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Lawrence Johnson wrote:

> John, it was my understanding that it is better for the engine and vehicle to
> warm up by driving off at conservative speeds keeping the engine rpm in the
> lower half of the torque band. Its one of those things which I just never
> doubted and never thought about. I'd like to hear the wisdom of the List on the
> pros and cons of either procedure.
> -Larry
> PS its not a matter of rushing
>
> John Rodgers wrote:
>
> > Wrong way to go...ice and frost scraping...IMHO!
> >
> > If it is cold, a proper warm up is ALWAYS in order. Don't jump in the van,
> > start up and drive away a cold or partway warmed engine. Everyone is in such
> > a blasted hurry these days when it isn't really necessary 99.9% of the time.
> > Save your engine, Give it some warmup time to get to proper operating
> > temperature.
> >
> > Give yourself enough time to go out and start the engine, turn on the
> > heaters and defrosters, and go back in the house for a cup of coffee. Let
> > the engine warm up good, at the idle speed. <snip>