Using the Griff in this cold weather
Discussion
I used the Griff last night for a short'ish run (about 15-20 mins, 45min stop then same back again)
She started up and idled OK but that first little touch of the throttle sends the revs dropping close to stalling, I don't let it idle for too long as I believe its better to start up and drive off than keep it idling for ages on the drive yes?
Is this just normal and accepted or should I be asking the dealer to take a look under warranty? (its previously been a garage queen AFAIK)
Secondly, the water is obviously warming up OK as I'm getting nice hot air through the blower but the water temp display doesn't seem to get past 50 for ages and only just managed to reach 70 before dropping back again. In the warmer weather it was getting up to 90 before the fans cut in but I did notice the gauge flutters quite a lot, again is this normal or could the gauge be dodgy. I'm assuming my 'stat must be OK otherwise I guess I'd never get hot air out of the blower in these temps?
I wish there an Oil temp gauge, so at least I'd know that the engine is getting up to temp, is there a simple fitting for one with the RV8?
Thanks
Mark
She started up and idled OK but that first little touch of the throttle sends the revs dropping close to stalling, I don't let it idle for too long as I believe its better to start up and drive off than keep it idling for ages on the drive yes?
Is this just normal and accepted or should I be asking the dealer to take a look under warranty? (its previously been a garage queen AFAIK)
Secondly, the water is obviously warming up OK as I'm getting nice hot air through the blower but the water temp display doesn't seem to get past 50 for ages and only just managed to reach 70 before dropping back again. In the warmer weather it was getting up to 90 before the fans cut in but I did notice the gauge flutters quite a lot, again is this normal or could the gauge be dodgy. I'm assuming my 'stat must be OK otherwise I guess I'd never get hot air out of the blower in these temps?
I wish there an Oil temp gauge, so at least I'd know that the engine is getting up to temp, is there a simple fitting for one with the RV8?
Thanks
Mark
Edited by Mags on Friday 18th December 09:56
Mags said:
She started up and idled OK but that first little touch of the throttle sends the revs dropping close to stalling, I don't let it idle for too long as I believe its better to start up and drive off than keep it idling for ages on the drive yes?
my '99 Chim does this on cold days - I was advised by my garage at the time to either let it idle for a minute or so, or hold it at a fast idle (2000rpm) for about 30secs. If the latter you can hear the revs drop a little when it's ready to run.Mark, if I start mine from cold and touch the throttle it does falter a bit, by the time I have closed the garage door and moved off it is fine.
If your temp got to 50 last night after 15/20 mins I would say that’s normal, in this weather mine would not ever go above mid 70’s. My gauge will move towards 90 in slow traffic and as long as the fans are activating and the gauge falls afterwards I would suggest all is well. Cant help with oil temp gauge.
If your temp got to 50 last night after 15/20 mins I would say that’s normal, in this weather mine would not ever go above mid 70’s. My gauge will move towards 90 in slow traffic and as long as the fans are activating and the gauge falls afterwards I would suggest all is well. Cant help with oil temp gauge.
Used mine a few days ago and did notice how well it went. Engine felt really crisp and far more willing that normal. Had a look under the bonnet and as far as I can see nobody had fitted a supercharger whilst I was not looking. I guess it goes to prove how important it is to get lots of cool dense air for it to ingest.
steve-V8s said:
Used mine a few days ago and did notice how well it went. Engine felt really crisp and far more willing that normal. Had a look under the bonnet and as far as I can see nobody had fitted a supercharger whilst I was not looking. I guess it goes to prove how important it is to get lots of cool dense air for it to ingest.
ditto...mine felt noticably sharper. i find in this cold weather its good to rev the engine on start up to about 2k for about 10 or 20 secs and it seems to settle to idle better before driving off. On the starting/warming up thing...
We just start our race engine (which lumps and bumps a bit) and let it idle till warm. Allow the oil to circulate the engine with as few revs as possible, without being too anal.
The start and drive away, was an EU thing. All the manufacturers used to put the above "warm up" advice in the handbooks to save the engines. Then some eurocrat worked out how many litres of fuel were being wasted every year while billions of cars were being warmed and had a fit. They all then reversed the advice to save FUEL NOT ENGINES!
Andy
BTW, as important, don't park on a slope! If you park on on on your drive etc for long periods, (we aren't talking about an hour or two here) that'll do MUCH more damage!
We just start our race engine (which lumps and bumps a bit) and let it idle till warm. Allow the oil to circulate the engine with as few revs as possible, without being too anal.
The start and drive away, was an EU thing. All the manufacturers used to put the above "warm up" advice in the handbooks to save the engines. Then some eurocrat worked out how many litres of fuel were being wasted every year while billions of cars were being warmed and had a fit. They all then reversed the advice to save FUEL NOT ENGINES!
Andy
BTW, as important, don't park on a slope! If you park on on on your drive etc for long periods, (we aren't talking about an hour or two here) that'll do MUCH more damage!
steve-V8s said:
laz11 said:
I find in this cold weather its good to rev the engine on start up to about 2k for about 10 or 20 secs and it seems to settle to idle better before driving off.
Wonder what your engine thinks of that. Same here, seems quite normal that the car will falter and cough about a bit for the first 30 sec or so.
In regards to decent operating temperature, yes it would be nice to have an oil temp gauge but using the oil pressure as an indication of decent operating temp works too; when oil has settled to its normal mininmum pressure whilst idling at lights for instance then you are good to go. When warmed up thoroughly, whilst idling, mine will read 15/16 psi rather than the 30 odd psi when cold.
In regards to decent operating temperature, yes it would be nice to have an oil temp gauge but using the oil pressure as an indication of decent operating temp works too; when oil has settled to its normal mininmum pressure whilst idling at lights for instance then you are good to go. When warmed up thoroughly, whilst idling, mine will read 15/16 psi rather than the 30 odd psi when cold.
JonathanT said:
Mags said:
She started up and idled OK but that first little touch of the throttle sends the revs dropping close to stalling, I don't let it idle for too long as I believe its better to start up and drive off than keep it idling for ages on the drive yes?
my '99 Chim does this on cold days - I was advised by my garage at the time to either let it idle for a minute or so, or hold it at a fast idle (2000rpm) for about 30secs. If the latter you can hear the revs drop a little when it's ready to run.laz11 said:
steve-V8s said:
Used mine a few days ago and did notice how well it went. Engine felt really crisp and far more willing that normal. Had a look under the bonnet and as far as I can see nobody had fitted a supercharger whilst I was not looking. I guess it goes to prove how important it is to get lots of cool dense air for it to ingest.
ditto...mine felt noticably sharper........ 
Argent said:
Same with mine, I think it's because the Lucas ECU dumps a massive wad of fuel on cold start up and it's temp related. More than one attempt and it's very easy to flood the engine in cold weather, however I use the pedal to the metal method if that happens.
Unfortunately mines grounded due to this. It caught then died, and now won't start at all, pedal to the floor or not. Properly flooded and freezing temps that won't evaporate the fuel. Tried today and still no joy. Think I'll leave it until next week sometime - I don't relish the thought of getting the plugs out in the cold!Slacey said:
I don't relish the thought of getting the plugs out in the cold!
cold hands and skinned knuckles are a fine combination sean...... its just when your hands warm up and the pain registers thats the problem !Mine is reluctant to fire smoothly in this cold weather also,dare not touch the throttle whilst its trying to warm up,as it tries to flood itself,a few carefull blips after a couple of mins seems to clear it enough to rev cleanly
I fitted a Kenlowe pre-heater this winter which takes an hour to warm the engine but a big improvement in starting/running behavior and my peace of mind...reduced engine wear etc....
Also fitted a radiator screen which works well. Anything more than 10C outside and it needs to be removed and below -4C probably need to block a bit more off. Cabin was comfortably warm at 80-90mph at -2C in France the other day.
Also fitted a radiator screen which works well. Anything more than 10C outside and it needs to be removed and below -4C probably need to block a bit more off. Cabin was comfortably warm at 80-90mph at -2C in France the other day.
Edited by Pagey430 on Sunday 3rd January 16:09
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