drive cycle duration when use is infrequent?

[MetalSlug]

Guys my cobra , I found myself busy with work and life, I don’t have much time to drive the cobra . But I know it better to drive then let it sit , to prevent fuel in the oil . How long should I be driving in town, i mean what is the shortest time to drive as possible so the fuel not in the oil . Without have to get on highway and drove above 70mph for 40 min .

 

[E150GT]

I personally don't think it sitting will cause fuel in the oil. Maybe letting it idle every once in a while will. I have one vehicle that sits a lot. I keep a battery maintainer on it and I only fill it up with non ethanol gas. That's it. If you do start it up take it for a good drive. That's better than starting and letting it idle for 10 minutes and then shutting it down. Just enough to get the oil hot.

 

[MetalSlug]

That what I mean , what is the shortest “ good drive “ that I can do without need get on freeway.
Or just drive around town to get oil up to temp is good enough .

 

[Sumboodie]

I have stuff that sits for months, even years. Mostly just unhook the battery or shutoff the night switch if it has one.

 

[alcyon]

20 minutes drive. Sitting for a long time isn't good for certain valve springs. Some valve spring would be compressed in minimum length for a long time, and timing chain tension will be pushing on one portion of the chain/belt.

 

[MetalSlug]

20 minutes drive. Sitting for a long time isn't good for certain valve springs. Some valve spring would be compressed in minimum length for a long time, and timing chain tension will be pushing on one portion of the chain/belt.

Just around town is good enough right ?

 

[Patman]

The key is to get the oil good and hot quickly so if you’re only able to drive it for 10 or 15 miles, then drive in a lower gear than usual so that your engine rpm is a little higher than usual

 

[Inked]

I would agree with Patman but if it’s colder temps when taking her out I would drive it further to make sure it’s fully up to temp so any residual fuel is burned off and any accumulated moisture in the exhaust is too.

 

[RooflessVW]

Here's what I did:

Not worry about it. I just changed the oil every 6mo because it made me feel better.

 

[gman2304]

It’s not just about engine oil. I take my wife’s 2.0T automatic out every couple of months for a minimum of a 50 mile drive in city, country roads and the last 10 miles of interstate at 70 to 75 mph driving. It gets the engine, transmission and differential heated up to operating temps which gets rid of any condensation in the drive train as well. OP : If you were closer, I’d gladly exercise your cobra in this manner once a month at no charge!

I personally don't think it sitting will cause fuel in the oil. Maybe letting it idle every once in a while will.

^ This

 

[LeoStrop]

I think it depends entirely on how long it takes your oil to reach operating temperature. That said, about 10 minutes of driving after the oil reaches operating temperature.

 

[E150GT]

In my opinion you're better off letting it sit with good fuel and a battery maintainer than driving it not long enough to get everything up to temp.

 

[MetalSlug]

It’s not just about engine oil. I take my wife’s 2.0T automatic out every couple of months for a minimum of a 50 mile drive in city, country roads and the last 10 miles of interstate at 70 to 75 mph driving. It gets the engine, transmission and differential heated up to operating temps which gets rid of any condensation in the drive train as well. OP : If you were closer, I’d gladly exercise your cobra in this manner once a month at no charge!

^ This

 

[Pew]

Give it to me, I'll make sure it gets up to temp.

 

[alcyon]

Yes, if you could get the oil temp to be at least 180 F you are good.