Warm-ups

[alfacybersite <acs@domain.elided>]

Some years ago Rex Chalmers (formally of LA, CA) suggested it was always
much better to start car and slowly drive away. His theory, based on
rebuilding numerous Alfa engines was the raw gas going down the cylinder
walls would remove the oil, thus causing the rings to polish them. He
felt this was a major cause of oil burning in Alfas.

I personally feel engines warm up fairly quickly and with multiple
viscosity oil, one can start bringing up the revs fairly quickly -
unless perhaps it is below zero at the time. However, when doing an
Italian tune-up, I'd drive normally for at least 20 - 30 minutes before
beginning the 'ritual'. I'm somewhat more concerned regarding the
gearbox, especially in my transaxle car. It doesn't have to be very cold
to make it very difficult to shift. Perhaps the Spirax 80W-90 that Tom
Sahines has strongly suggested to all of us will make a difference when
it gets down to a nippy 40 or so.

I believe Rex is in Wisconsin now and should he be lurking, I wonder how
long he lets his vehicles warm up in their Winters?

Biba
Irwindale, CA USA
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