Engine Oil

[Cobie Fair]

Hi Vinny,

Lots of questions but let's start with viscosity and engine temp.  Specifically, now long do I have to wait to start driving (in this case my car)?  Some say most engine damage is done at start up.  Some say oil pressure happens very quickly, but others say you must warm the engine.  Can you fill us in on this, specifically how long to warm an engine before using it?  Can one drive slowly/easily in the beginning?  What part of the engine gets the most wear if driven too hard to cold?

[Hotfoot]

This is a great question, following!

[ktk_ace]

not sure if i can chime in on my observations
BUUUUT on all the fancypants LCD screen bikes...
the redline is visibly LOWER on startup (starting at 5500RPM) and starts to increase as temps go up...
I think bmw knows whats up but wont share.

 

[Vinny Russo]

Thanks fir the question Cobie. I would like to add that my answers are all based on "when using the proper engine oil".

Some say most engine damage is done at start up.
- I agree, that most "wear" happens on start-up.

Some say oil pressure happens very quickly, but others say you must warm the engine. 
- There is oil pressure immediately, but only the optimum range when the oil is warmed up.

How long to warm an engine before using it? 
- A vehicle can be driven straight away, but would not take to any extremes until warmed up.

Can one drive slowly/easily in the beginning? 
- Yes.

What part of the engine gets the most wear if driven too hard to cold?
- The tightest fitting areas inside an engine. EX -piston areas, cam lobes,camshaft bearings etc..

[Cobie Fair]

Thanks, good info!