Warm-up time....debate

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Perhaps academic, as in a week or so I'll be ripping all manner of bits off the engine for a major service, including replacing the thermostat; but basically I think she runs a bit cool/takes her time to get there. Here's today's run to work (never exceeding 30mph, stop-start town traffic)



as above, this morning I set the stopwatch as I started the engine. Just over 90. I know the temp gauges are notoriously 'approximate' but does that sound about right? 9 mins and still not at operating temp?

Last night i did the same test and just got to an indicated 92.5^oC after ten mins on the dot, with some heavier right foot.

However, I reckon there wasn't a hope in hell that on the morning test the engine would've have got up to the same 92.5^oC after a further minute, it was definitely warming slower.

[Kevin Wood]

No idea on the timing but the best thing to do is to start the engine from cold and feel the top radiator hose as it warms up. If the hose starts getting warm long before the engine is up to temperature then the thermostat is suspect. It should remain cool until the gauge is close to mid point and then suddenly get very hot as the thermostat opens.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

I've done that test, and I seem to recall yes, it warms gradually. There might have been a slight surge in temp, but I think I gave up and switched off, so fed up of waiting, was I!!

[Bojan]

The hose should be cold, and become very hot in few seconds when 'stat opens.
Also, in cabin (if the gauge is good) -> temp rises to some 93°C, and then drops in several seconds for several °C when the stat opens.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Nope! 

[Bojan]

Well, it doesn't close all the way then.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

This is what I suspect 


I'm going to do a scientific test in a pan of boiling water and a thermometer with the new and the old thermostat, to compare. 

[Nick W]

The hose should be cold, and become very hot in few seconds when 'stat opens.
Also, in cabin (if the gauge is good) -> temp rises to some 93°C, and then drops in several seconds for several °C when the stat opens.

I find that a V6 is slow to warm up; even with a new thermostat the gauge has barely moved after nearly two miles, although after that it quickly reaches operating temperature. Every time I've worked on the cooling system(whether a heater flush or new pump, HBV , thermostat or head gaskets) or done other work, even after 15minutes of it idling nothing much happens. And you get some funny looks from passers-by as you fondle the radiator hose, with a coffee that's cooling quicker than the car is warming up in the other hand


Now, my procedure is to add coolant until the header is full and start the engine. Top it up once the level drops, fit the cap and drive the car until it warms up. Then I adjust the coolant level before I use it next. This has proved to be much more efficient than not driving it.

[X30XE]

The hose should be cold, and become very hot in few seconds when 'stat opens.
Also, in cabin (if the gauge is good) -> temp rises to some 93°C, and then drops in several seconds for several °C when the stat opens.

I find that a V6 is slow to warm up; even with a new thermostat the gauge has barely moved after nearly two miles, although after that it quickly reaches operating temperature. Every time I've worked on the cooling system(whether a heater flush or new pump, HBV , thermostat or head gaskets) or done other work, even after 15minutes of it idling nothing much happens. And you get some funny looks from passers-by as you fondle the radiator hose, with a coffee that's cooling quicker than the car is warming up in the other hand


Now, my procedure is to add coolant until the header is full and start the engine. Top it up once the level drops, fit the cap and drive the car until it warms up. Then I adjust the coolant level before I use it next. This has proved to be much more efficient than not driving it.

Got nothing to do with the gimp mask then 

[Nick W]

I find that a V6 is slow to warm up; even with a new thermostat the gauge has barely moved after nearly two miles, although after that it quickly reaches operating temperature. Every time I've worked on the cooling system(whether a heater flush or new pump, HBV , thermostat or head gaskets) or done other work, even after 15minutes of it idling nothing much happens. And you get some funny looks from passers-by as you fondle the radiator hose, with a coffee that's cooling quicker than the car is warming up in the other hand


Now, my procedure is to add coolant until the header is full and start the engine. Top it up once the level drops, fit the cap and drive the car until it warms up. Then I adjust the coolant level before I use it next. This has proved to be much more efficient than not driving it.

Got nothing to do with the gimp mask then 

I asked for a balaclava. I've often wondered why it isn't knitted

[Mr Gav]

I find that a V6 is slow to warm up; even with a new thermostat the gauge has barely moved after nearly two miles, although after that it quickly reaches operating temperature. Every time I've worked on the cooling system(whether a heater flush or new pump, HBV , thermostat or head gaskets) or done other work, even after 15minutes of it idling nothing much happens. And you get some funny looks from passers-by as you fondle the radiator hose, with a coffee that's cooling quicker than the car is warming up in the other hand


Now, my procedure is to add coolant until the header is full and start the engine. Top it up once the level drops, fit the cap and drive the car until it warms up. Then I adjust the coolant level before I use it next. This has proved to be much more efficient than not driving it.

Got nothing to do with the gimp mask then 

I asked for a balaclava. I've often wondered why it isn't knitted

that made me chuckle

On a side note I always found my Miggy to warm up quite quickly, within half a mile warm air was coming into the cabin and around a mile temps were normal.

Compare this with my works Shitroen Nemo where it takes around four miles for the needle to move at all 

[citroenguy]

Its a derv drinker, what would you expect..
Edit: oi! Its spelled Citroën

[Sir Tigger KC]

Forget the warm up time, you need a new display unit!   

[frostbite]

When I had a v6 I used to wait till the multi ram closed then drive away, was beastly sound in the cold then warm air would be through in about a mile and a half

[iansoutham]

On my 2.0, I just start it up and wait for the revs to drop then drive off. Normally takes about 30 seconds or so. Doesn't make it hold 1st gear for too long and my trip to work is 6 miles of all 30mph limits including 2 miles of speed bumps so no fast roads.