Short runs are not good for engine... is it true?

[adeel]

In discussion with one of the guys at work and he mentioned something about diesel engine not be good over the short journeys because the engines need a good long run in order to keep the exhaust dry and battery fully charged. He also mentioned the diesel would more tha likely sludge up the fuel areas because its not driven much.

I didn't tell him that I'm intersted in a Surf in case the green monster appears, however... what's the truth behind all this please?

I anticipate to do roughly 11 miles a day to work and back inc. and use it on the weekend for the usual chores that one does and of course the odd long run. From the past 6 years of driving I tend to do roughly 5k - 6k miles per year.

Thanks in advance

[TonyN]

Its not ideal, but they'll survive, its no different from any car, petrol motors are no happier being shopping trolleys.

When servicing, pay attention to cleaning out the intake passages of oil, use plenty of fuel system cleaner like redex and change the oil regularly.

And then enjoy it.

[Gizmo]

In discussion with one of the guys at work and he mentioned something about diesel engine not be good over the short journeys because the engines need a good long run in order to keep the exhaust dry and battery fully charged. He also mentioned the diesel would more tha likely sludge up the fuel areas because its not driven much.

I didn't tell him that I'm intersted in a Surf in case the green monster appears, however... what's the truth behind all this please?

I anticipate to do roughly 11 miles a day to work and back inc. and use it on the weekend for the usual chores that one does and of course the odd long run. From the past 6 years of driving I tend to do roughly 5k - 6k miles per year.

Thanks in advance

Since changing jobs about 4 years ago I do less mileage than previously. Round trip to work is approx 14 miles [although the engine is running longer sat on the M60].

It gets more use on the off-road / greenlane days

[Verbal]

I only do about 10 miles a day, Mon to Fri and most of that is through the city.

I balance it out by taking it for a good run every couple of weeks (more often if there is snow on the ground )

I`ve not had any problems at all.

[djcazyp]

Drive as soon as poss after starting, just take it easy until the engine is warm, change the oil every 3000 miles and let the turbo/engine cool before switching off.
Should be fine.

[Linda]

Bullet only does about 6 miles round trip to the station 4 days a week, but we do tend to do lomger trips most weekends.

Hey - its a good excuse to go out for a nice long drive in your surf!!

[TimberSurf]

You been keeping a secret Linda?


So were is this "Lomger" route? map refs? and how come you keeping it to yourself?



But seriously............. ADMINS...

when ya gonna get the spell checker workin on dis site?


Its a graet site, an I luv it, but it atracts all sorts, including epileptic dancing frogs like wot I is, who have amphibious bricklayers fingers!

Ive been using a computer for twenty years, and I still cant type.

{sorry to rant/hijack thread}


....or is it so you can all laugh your bits off at my missspleeling?


Oh yea, I do 10 miles to work each day, no probs. Tis nowt to worry about.

[TonyN]

....or is it so you can all laugh your bits off at my missspleeling?
[/color][/size]

This is the main reason of course.

Just get a dictionary out, remember, heavy things, made of paper, no keyboard...........

[TimberSurf]

Tryed that.......

couldnt get it to work......

couldnt dind the on botton , let alone the reboot one

[Gizmo]

This is the main reason of course.

Just get a dictionary out, remember, heavy things, made of paper, no keyboard...........

I find they're too big to hit the individual keys with...but thats just me.....might try one of those mini dicitionaries next time LOL

[Koi]

[QUOTE=TimberSurf]
But seriously............. [size=5][color=sandybrown]ADMINS...
when ya gonna get the spell checker workin on dis site?[QUOTE]

Never, it makes much better enlightened reading without one

[laser_jock@work]

Drive as soon as poss after starting, just take it easy until the engine is warm, change the oil every 3000 miles and let the turbo/engine cool before switching off.
Should be fine.

On the contrary I think it's better to let the engine idle for 30 seconds or so before racing away. My theory is it lets some oil get around before placing any load on the engine. Letting the engine 'warm up' for a mile or three before any serious reving is good advice. Most diesels sound like a 'bag of spanners' until warmed up- reving the engine hard in this state is not reccomened.

On the other hand don't let diesels idle for too long 5-10 mins max.

Nevillef

[J5C]

An old BMW I had stated in the manual that it should never be left to warm up by idling. I could never work out why.

[TonyN]

An old BMW I had stated in the manual that it should never be left to warm up by idling. I could never work out why.

Thay all say that, its an enviromental thing, and ruins their MPG figures. sod the neighbours and let it warm up properly.

If the motor isn't running happily, especially petrol motors, it'll soot up, and you may get unburnt fuel running down the bores, and washing the oil off, leading piston/bore wear. but it's not really and issue if its sits for 10mins in the morning.

After its warmed the oil a little, the idle up button is a good way of getting warm, plus it keeps the oil pressure up higher than at tick over.

[adeel]

So really it doesn't matter...

As the title suggests; so really it doesn't matter if you leave the engine running a little while you set off...

I.e. turn ignition, adjust the seat, put seat belt on, plug Bluetooth headset in ear, place phone on cradle or passenger seat, select radio station and mirror signal manoeuvre...

At the most 60 - 90 seconds... does it matter... is it harming the engine??? It's doing the same when stuck in traffic lights. I can understand not revving a cold engine???

So what's the truth please?