Why not simply relocate to Florida. Much easier and then you can use Valvoline.
At what point does cold idling outweigh mileage?
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Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
One thing I didn't think about when posting early -- have you given any thought to replacing the thermostat?
Stant SuperStat #45359 (195°F/OE Temp) is only $4.27 on RockAuto. If it gets you up to temperature quicker, the small cost/time investment would be well worth the outlay.
No wrong...the engine heats up in the same amount of time no matter what thermostat you use.
One thing I didn't think about when posting early -- have you given any thought to replacing the thermostat?
Stant SuperStat #45359 (195°F/OE Temp) is only $4.27 on RockAuto. If it gets you up to temperature quicker, the small cost/time investment would be well worth the outlay.
No wrong...the engine heats up in the same amount of time no matter what thermostat you use.
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Why take you take a longer route to work? Go the opposite direction for 5 miles then turn around. That way you'll have heater and you won't have to worry about the engine not getting warm enough.
Originally Posted By: Doog
No wrong...the engine heats up in the same amount of time no matter what thermostat you use.
"Uniue Weir valve technology allows for a smooth and gradual flow of coolant so the engine reaches its optimal temperature more quickly, resulting in improved performance, including better fuel efficiency."
http://www.stant.com/consumer-products/superstat-thermostat
No wrong...the engine heats up in the same amount of time no matter what thermostat you use.
"Uniue Weir valve technology allows for a smooth and gradual flow of coolant so the engine reaches its optimal temperature more quickly, resulting in improved performance, including better fuel efficiency."
http://www.stant.com/consumer-products/superstat-thermostat
How long does it take for moisture to actually cause problems?
Is there really that much condensation occurring?
I'm thinking at those low temps, atmospheric water-content is pretty low and OP's not-very-warm engine will cool off pretty quickly, too. Lower temps equal slower reaction rates, right?
If the condensation is accumulating, how often would a drive long enough to dry-out the condensation need to happen? once a week? once a month?
Is there really that much condensation occurring?
I'm thinking at those low temps, atmospheric water-content is pretty low and OP's not-very-warm engine will cool off pretty quickly, too. Lower temps equal slower reaction rates, right?
If the condensation is accumulating, how often would a drive long enough to dry-out the condensation need to happen? once a week? once a month?
Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
One thing I didn't think about when posting early -- have you given any thought to replacing the thermostat?
Stant SuperStat #45359 (195°F/OE Temp) is only $4.27 on RockAuto. If it gets you up to temperature quicker, the small cost/time investment would be well worth the outlay.
Thermostat was my first thought. Maybe put a piece of cardboard over the front of your radiator? Or like was said above....take a longer route to work? Or at least once a week take a 30 minute drive to help burn off fuel and moisture in the oil?
One thing I didn't think about when posting early -- have you given any thought to replacing the thermostat?
Stant SuperStat #45359 (195°F/OE Temp) is only $4.27 on RockAuto. If it gets you up to temperature quicker, the small cost/time investment would be well worth the outlay.
Thermostat was my first thought. Maybe put a piece of cardboard over the front of your radiator? Or like was said above....take a longer route to work? Or at least once a week take a 30 minute drive to help burn off fuel and moisture in the oil?
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
...
A 10 minute warm up on a cold day right before a short trip is smart thinking.
You done good.
I think that might be one of the worst things for an engine, to sit at low idle with combustion by-products building up in the crankcase.
For the OP: In any case, just take the vehicle out on the highway a couple times a month, and you'll be fine for at least a year...
...
A 10 minute warm up on a cold day right before a short trip is smart thinking.
You done good.
I think that might be one of the worst things for an engine, to sit at low idle with combustion by-products building up in the crankcase.
For the OP: In any case, just take the vehicle out on the highway a couple times a month, and you'll be fine for at least a year...
Originally Posted By: Warstud
Letting it idle for 10 minutes so you have heat for less than a 2 mile drive is a waste. Tough it out or get an electric heater.
Exactly. Take the money you will save by not burning gas while idling for 10 minutes and buy a good jacket and driving gloves.
Letting it idle for 10 minutes so you have heat for less than a 2 mile drive is a waste. Tough it out or get an electric heater.
Exactly. Take the money you will save by not burning gas while idling for 10 minutes and buy a good jacket and driving gloves.
Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
One thing I didn't think about when posting early -- have you given any thought to replacing the thermostat?
Stant SuperStat #45359 (195°F/OE Temp) is only $4.27 on RockAuto. If it gets you up to temperature quicker, the small cost/time investment would be well worth the outlay.
I literally replaced my radiator and thermostat less than the a year ago and it indeed has a Stand 195 degree thermostat that is in perfect working order. It just takes a while to warm the big iron block. It has an oil cooler which probably doesn't help things in the cold.
One thing I didn't think about when posting early -- have you given any thought to replacing the thermostat?
Stant SuperStat #45359 (195°F/OE Temp) is only $4.27 on RockAuto. If it gets you up to temperature quicker, the small cost/time investment would be well worth the outlay.
I literally replaced my radiator and thermostat less than the a year ago and it indeed has a Stand 195 degree thermostat that is in perfect working order. It just takes a while to warm the big iron block. It has an oil cooler which probably doesn't help things in the cold.
JHZR2
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Originally Posted By: Warstud
Letting it idle for 10 minutes so you have heat for less than a 2 mile drive is a waste. Tough it out or get an electric heater.
+1. Unbelievable how soft people can be. If I were really concerned about this, I'd ensure to include the factory block heater when ordering the car, or add one aftermarket. 10-15c/kWh is a far better price for the heat, and gets it where you need.
Letting it idle for 10 minutes so you have heat for less than a 2 mile drive is a waste. Tough it out or get an electric heater.
+1. Unbelievable how soft people can be. If I were really concerned about this, I'd ensure to include the factory block heater when ordering the car, or add one aftermarket. 10-15c/kWh is a far better price for the heat, and gets it where you need.
Originally Posted By: Bamaro
Originally Posted By: Warstud
Letting it idle for 10 minutes so you have heat for less than a 2 mile drive is a waste. Tough it out or get an electric heater.
Exactly. Take the money you will save by not burning gas while idling for 10 minutes and buy a good jacket and driving gloves.
I do wear a jacket a gloves. When its 2 degrees outside its not enough. My truck is over 20 years old and isnt well insulated. Even a short drive absolutely sucks and I am not concerned about burning the gas idling.
Originally Posted By: Warstud
Letting it idle for 10 minutes so you have heat for less than a 2 mile drive is a waste. Tough it out or get an electric heater.
Exactly. Take the money you will save by not burning gas while idling for 10 minutes and buy a good jacket and driving gloves.
I do wear a jacket a gloves. When its 2 degrees outside its not enough. My truck is over 20 years old and isnt well insulated. Even a short drive absolutely sucks and I am not concerned about burning the gas idling.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Warstud
Letting it idle for 10 minutes so you have heat for less than a 2 mile drive is a waste. Tough it out or get an electric heater.
+1. Unbelievable how soft people can be. If I were really concerned about this, I'd ensure to include the factory block heater when ordering the car, or add one aftermarket. 10-15c/kWh is a far better price for the heat, and gets it where you need.
I didn't order this truck 22 years ago and I can't run an extension cord and block heater across my parking lot because plows with take out the cord. I can't use a block heater unfortunately. Soft? Sorry I need my defogger to safely drive on the road in the dark on snowy and icy roads.
Originally Posted By: Warstud
Letting it idle for 10 minutes so you have heat for less than a 2 mile drive is a waste. Tough it out or get an electric heater.
+1. Unbelievable how soft people can be. If I were really concerned about this, I'd ensure to include the factory block heater when ordering the car, or add one aftermarket. 10-15c/kWh is a far better price for the heat, and gets it where you need.
I didn't order this truck 22 years ago and I can't run an extension cord and block heater across my parking lot because plows with take out the cord. I can't use a block heater unfortunately. Soft? Sorry I need my defogger to safely drive on the road in the dark on snowy and icy roads.
Originally Posted By: KitaCam
Since we're just offering options...
Why not just drive a bit longer route to work to warm up the engine at normal running rather than idling?
Because I could either idle it and finish eating breakfast or sit in the still-cold truck for a longer period of time. Cars serve us, not the other way around.
Since we're just offering options...
Why not just drive a bit longer route to work to warm up the engine at normal running rather than idling?
Because I could either idle it and finish eating breakfast or sit in the still-cold truck for a longer period of time. Cars serve us, not the other way around.
Originally Posted By: BertieBlue
Does the OP leave the car running, unattended on a public highway? Isn't that illegal, if not highly dangerous?
(And an insurance void if its stolen)
Did you even read my post? The truck idles in the parking lot of the apartment where I live. I refered to nothing even resembling a public highway.
Does the OP leave the car running, unattended on a public highway? Isn't that illegal, if not highly dangerous?
(And an insurance void if its stolen)
Did you even read my post? The truck idles in the parking lot of the apartment where I live. I refered to nothing even resembling a public highway.
Originally Posted By: cheesepuffs
I have a TBI Chevy. These are known for fuel dilution as it is. On top of that my work commute is less than two miles but I still idle my truck every weekday morning for 10 minutes to get some heat out of it for myself. Average morning has been 2-6 degrees so thats almost an hour idling in the cold (running extra rich) right there alone and the engine never actually get to full operating temp on my way to or from work.
I don't drive this vehicle much. Current Pennzoil conventional fill is at 5.5 months and just over 1000 miles. Besides my short work commute I almost never take it on the highway and its other trips are about 20 minutes long in mixed backroads and stop and go city traffic.
My point is, it's very low mileage but its some super harsh short tripping. I'm leaning toward running 6 month OCIs now regardless of mileage. Last OCI was 10 months and 3200 miles on Valvoline conventional and the used oil felt like water. I've done quite a few oil changes and never felt oil that thin. Made me think twice.
So what do you guys think? Ridiculous to drain at just over 1000 miles or completely rational to drain potentally fuel and moisture contaminated dino twice a year?
To answer your question, yes I would change the oil every 6 months / 1000 miles.
Since you let it idle for 10 minutes each day, that 1000 miles is more like 3000 miles.
I have a TBI Chevy. These are known for fuel dilution as it is. On top of that my work commute is less than two miles but I still idle my truck every weekday morning for 10 minutes to get some heat out of it for myself. Average morning has been 2-6 degrees so thats almost an hour idling in the cold (running extra rich) right there alone and the engine never actually get to full operating temp on my way to or from work.
I don't drive this vehicle much. Current Pennzoil conventional fill is at 5.5 months and just over 1000 miles. Besides my short work commute I almost never take it on the highway and its other trips are about 20 minutes long in mixed backroads and stop and go city traffic.
My point is, it's very low mileage but its some super harsh short tripping. I'm leaning toward running 6 month OCIs now regardless of mileage. Last OCI was 10 months and 3200 miles on Valvoline conventional and the used oil felt like water. I've done quite a few oil changes and never felt oil that thin. Made me think twice.
So what do you guys think? Ridiculous to drain at just over 1000 miles or completely rational to drain potentally fuel and moisture contaminated dino twice a year?
To answer your question, yes I would change the oil every 6 months / 1000 miles.
Since you let it idle for 10 minutes each day, that 1000 miles is more like 3000 miles.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Warstud
Letting it idle for 10 minutes so you have heat for less than a 2 mile drive is a waste. Tough it out or get an electric heater.
+1. Unbelievable how soft people can be. If I were really concerned about this, I'd ensure to include the factory block heater when ordering the car, or add one aftermarket. 10-15c/kWh is a far better price for the heat, and gets it where you need.
+2 My winter beater takes at least 5 minutes before I really feel any heat at all and 10 to get near operation temp (coolant), and I rarely bother wearing a jacket or gloves while driving unless we get hit with the subzero stuff. It's just not that big of a deal to be a bit cold for 5 or 10 minutes...
If the snow is heavy, then the car will idle for 5 minutes anyway while I clean it off...
Originally Posted By: Warstud
Letting it idle for 10 minutes so you have heat for less than a 2 mile drive is a waste. Tough it out or get an electric heater.
+1. Unbelievable how soft people can be. If I were really concerned about this, I'd ensure to include the factory block heater when ordering the car, or add one aftermarket. 10-15c/kWh is a far better price for the heat, and gets it where you need.
+2 My winter beater takes at least 5 minutes before I really feel any heat at all and 10 to get near operation temp (coolant), and I rarely bother wearing a jacket or gloves while driving unless we get hit with the subzero stuff. It's just not that big of a deal to be a bit cold for 5 or 10 minutes...
If the snow is heavy, then the car will idle for 5 minutes anyway while I clean it off...
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: C4Dave
Originally Posted By: cheesepuffs
I have a TBI Chevy. These are known for fuel dilution as it is. On top of that my work commute is less than two miles but I still idle my truck every weekday morning for 10 minutes to get some heat out of it for myself. Average morning has been 2-6 degrees so thats almost an hour idling in the cold (running extra rich) right there alone and the engine never actually get to full operating temp on my way to or from work.
I don't drive this vehicle much. Current Pennzoil conventional fill is at 5.5 months and just over 1000 miles. Besides my short work commute I almost never take it on the highway and its other trips are about 20 minutes long in mixed backroads and stop and go city traffic.
My point is, it's very low mileage but its some super harsh short tripping. I'm leaning toward running 6 month OCIs now regardless of mileage. Last OCI was 10 months and 3200 miles on Valvoline conventional and the used oil felt like water. I've done quite a few oil changes and never felt oil that thin. Made me think twice.
So what do you guys think? Ridiculous to drain at just over 1000 miles or completely rational to drain potentally fuel and moisture contaminated dino twice a year?
To answer your question, yes I would change the oil every 6 months / 1000 miles.
Since you let it idle for 10 minutes each day, that 1000 miles is more like 3000 miles.
Thank you for your feedback.
Originally Posted By: cheesepuffs
I have a TBI Chevy. These are known for fuel dilution as it is. On top of that my work commute is less than two miles but I still idle my truck every weekday morning for 10 minutes to get some heat out of it for myself. Average morning has been 2-6 degrees so thats almost an hour idling in the cold (running extra rich) right there alone and the engine never actually get to full operating temp on my way to or from work.
I don't drive this vehicle much. Current Pennzoil conventional fill is at 5.5 months and just over 1000 miles. Besides my short work commute I almost never take it on the highway and its other trips are about 20 minutes long in mixed backroads and stop and go city traffic.
My point is, it's very low mileage but its some super harsh short tripping. I'm leaning toward running 6 month OCIs now regardless of mileage. Last OCI was 10 months and 3200 miles on Valvoline conventional and the used oil felt like water. I've done quite a few oil changes and never felt oil that thin. Made me think twice.
So what do you guys think? Ridiculous to drain at just over 1000 miles or completely rational to drain potentally fuel and moisture contaminated dino twice a year?
To answer your question, yes I would change the oil every 6 months / 1000 miles.
Since you let it idle for 10 minutes each day, that 1000 miles is more like 3000 miles.
Thank you for your feedback.
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