kevino

I'm just wondering what the best way is to drive a rotary when the engine is still cold. I always felt it was better to let the engine idle until it warms up a little, then start to drive. But recently I've been reading posts that say it is best to only let the engine idle for 30 seconds or so, then take off imediatly and don't drive over 3k rpms or under boost until it is completely warmed up. What is your opinion on this matter?

thanks

Black13B

iTrader: (1)

Where did you read that?

I let mine idle for a while (until at operating temp) if I can, but if I'm in a hurry, I'll just let it warm up for a minute and then head out, shifting at 2500 / 3000 RPM. Feathering the throttle, too. It's really rough on it to open it up at low RPM and shift at low numbers.

1987RX7guy

iTrader: (3)

I see no harm to letting the car idle for 30 years. lol! Although you would need a lot of gas for that one. haha

Anyhow I Go out to my FC and turn her on and go back to brush my teeth and rinse with some scope. By the time I get back it has been about 3-5 min. The car is now ready for whatever I want to do withing the 7k range. If your in a hurry you can drive it fine but I wouldn't take it above 3krpms until it reaches normal operating temp.

The other reason I let it warm up is for my exhaust to warm up and not sound like a cold tin can hahaha
I dunno I guess its in my head but when my true duals are warmed up they sound better than cold.

Santiago

ilike2eatricers

same procedure as me black13b. I let it idle for a few minutes if I can and have the time.

Black13B

iTrader: (1)

2 words.

Carbon Buildup.

1987RX7guy

iTrader: (3)

One word and one abreviation.

NO MOP

Black13B

iTrader: (1)

It would still carbon up.. Just not as fast..

And 'sides. Majority of people here are running their MOP.

*cough* Myself excluded this winter *cough*

1987RX7guy

iTrader: (3)

I know I was just playing. But in any case its not harmfull to let them idle for a couple of minutes. If that were not true then we would have blown engines in grid lock.

Glad to see you came to a descission.

Santiago

Kai

I admit it, I take off while it is still cold.

I play gentle 'til it is warm, though.

mrb63083

iTrader: (4)

I just leave and don't boost or rev over 2500 rpm

eViLRotor

iTrader: (2)

It's not ideal to let a car idle for long periods, rotary or not.

I do what the original poster stated. Warm it up a bit. Then drive at 3k or so until it hits operating temp (85C on my car).

Then mash the trottle to 15psi lol!!!!!

dufourmike

iTrader: (1)

i beat the **** out of it until it is warm!!!!

NO, j/k, but you shouldnt let it idle for too long, try to keep it under 5 mins. it takes the motor a while to warm up, so all your fluids like your oil, coolant, trans, etc. have to work longer under these conditions

twistedriver

I believe one reason that idleing too long is bad is because the car will run rich(since is cold) and over stress the CAT. And I think the car runs better when is warm up a little bit. With the gas price these days i would only warm up for 30second or a min tops.

Kim

I crank it up, let it sit for 20 seconds while getting the seatbelt on and taking my slippers off. Then drive off below 3000 rpm.

Just a qouestion!
I´m thinking that my car should be driven to get oilpressure when cold, not just sitting for several minuttes at low psi.
Am I right???Or not???

RX7withNitrous

No

Wankel7

I let it run for about 30 seconds in the spring/summer. Just make sure the oil pressure is good. Then go. There is simply no reason to let it sit there and idle into oblivian.

It warms up faster while driving it. I do keep it below 3000rpm and off boost till the oil temp is past 140°F.

In the winter one minute.

Actually, on a cold start the oil pressure will be rather high for a bit because the oil is so thick.

James

BLACK ROCKET

I let mine warm up until idle speed goes down to 750.

Black13B

iTrader: (1)

Wow alot of different opinions.

I'm going to stick with what I'm doing..

Tofuball

Just take off. Keep it under 3K till warm.

Rattaan

I start driving as soon as the oil pressure builds to 30 or above in like the first 10-20 seconds at most, then stay under 3k until the after it's warm enough to idle at 750. I read somewhere it's better to drive it to operating temp than sit and wait, though it was about 3 years ago after putting in the rebuilt motor. Still runs pretty darn well after 50k miles so I'm guessing it's ok to do it that way.

Raymr

Same here, get in and go. Shift below 3K. No sense wasting precious dino juice if you don't have to

Black13B

iTrader: (1)

I'd like RETed and hypnytyz7 to share their views.

BobbyRX

I'm not an expert, but IMO you should let ANY engine reach operating temp gradually. This allows the engine to expand at a comfortable rate, and puts less stress on parts that are not at a uniform tempature (rotor housings vs e-shaft vs rotors, etc).

If the engine is aloud to warm up for at least 45 seconds it should keep most seals and parts around the same tolerances (clearances), keeping gases in the cambers, and oil control seals sealing, instead of blowing by until warm. Does this make sense?

I don't mean you have to idle your car for 2-3 mins, but it should be aloud to warm gradually with little load for the first 5 mins or so (less than 3-4K). At least until the temp gague moves 1/8" or so.

I have practiced this in all engines I've used from model airplane (.30 CI) to 80HP - 100cc go-kart engines, VW's, american engines, and my Rotary. I've never had an engine failure (knock on wood). Never.
NEVER EVER REV A COLD ENGINE. No matter if its piston or Rotary.
</rant>
-Bobby

Rattaan

Well, that's basically what I do driving below 3k. I'm not stomping the pedal and short-shifting, I'm easy on the throttle and usually the first shift beyond 3k is only 4k until I'm sure it's completely warm. I think that's what the rest of the 3k driver's probably mean too, right?

BobbyRX

Sorry, I meant: warm up for 45seconds, idle only 1K RPM (in gear to bypass the fast idle). Then drive for the next 4-5 mins with shifts not more than 3-4K. Not warmup for 10 seconds and drive off. Just clarifying...