Warming up programme?
Discussion
These frosty mornings have me thinking about whether the Tuscan could be programmed to run a warming up process when parked. When it's really cold I tend to drive my A6 which I can start up on the drive, set everything to demist and come back 10 mins later to a warm, defrosted car.
I'm thinking about some sort of additional programme that holds the engine at c.1500 rpm for 10 mins or so, allowing everything to warm up nicely, defrost windscreen, maybe even rear screen.
Any ECU specialists out there think this could be added to the engine management programme? Or, could there be a mechanical override to hold the revs at a certain level? Maybe a broom handle on the accelerator is the simplest solution!!
I'm thinking about some sort of additional programme that holds the engine at c.1500 rpm for 10 mins or so, allowing everything to warm up nicely, defrost windscreen, maybe even rear screen.
Any ECU specialists out there think this could be added to the engine management programme? Or, could there be a mechanical override to hold the revs at a certain level? Maybe a broom handle on the accelerator is the simplest solution!!
Noone likes my post
Anyway, I've found the solution to being able to see out of the car while driving to warm up.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/200W-12-VOLT-CAR-FAN-HEATER-...
I doubt that ebay item will work very well!
We all know it's bad to idle your Speed 6 from cold, holding it at 1500rpm without driving it probably is not that much better.
I can only suggest buying a woolly jumper and/or try not to breathe too much inside the car. Maybe a gas ventilator mask to stop your breath misting up the window!
Personally apart from the heater taking a while to work, I have not had any major misting issues from a cold/cold and wet start, but it's worse if you have a passenger, then I just open the window.
If you take the roof off does the misting up stop?
We all know it's bad to idle your Speed 6 from cold, holding it at 1500rpm without driving it probably is not that much better.
I can only suggest buying a woolly jumper and/or try not to breathe too much inside the car. Maybe a gas ventilator mask to stop your breath misting up the window!
Personally apart from the heater taking a while to work, I have not had any major misting issues from a cold/cold and wet start, but it's worse if you have a passenger, then I just open the window.
If you take the roof off does the misting up stop?
I did a trial last night in minus 2 degree with a 240v heater. Tuscan had been outside all day and totally frozen up. 10 mins and it was completely clear and dry inside.
My issue has not been the process of warming up the engine but rather being able to see out of the car so that I could actually drive it to warm the engine up. Otherwise, I'd have to sit on the drive for 15 mins holding the revs at somewhere between 1200 and 1600 revs which is a bit dull!!!
So, old, cheap heater on an extension lead it is then!!
My issue has not been the process of warming up the engine but rather being able to see out of the car so that I could actually drive it to warm the engine up. Otherwise, I'd have to sit on the drive for 15 mins holding the revs at somewhere between 1200 and 1600 revs which is a bit dull!!!
So, old, cheap heater on an extension lead it is then!!
I've been reading about warming up the engine from various posts and forums, and apparently warming the car up from first start up on the drive, just ticking over at 7-800 rpm, is the worst thing that tuscan owners can do. The engine is not spinning quick enough at this slow speed and it puts unwanted load on the valve gear, as there is not as much momentum for the cams to push the valves open compared to higher revs. So it is much better driving off slowly.
Tuscan Wil said:
apparently warming the car up from first start up on the drive, just ticking over at 7-800 rpm, is the worst thing that tuscan owners can do
Yep - definitely the case. I am careful on this point but the problem I've been having is being able to drive the car to warm it up!I do like the idea of an addition to the engine managment programme to holds the engine at a constant 1300 - 1500 revs until the oil temp reaches say 50 degrees. This would be useful all year round and I suspect would be even better for the engine that driving it when cold.
I rang Racing Green, got an answering service and left a message but no-one rang me back....
"spank my bottom" for being a technophobe, but I find a piece of clean kitchen roll does the job nicely! You can always spray a very small amount of Tesco window cleaner on the kitchen roll as well. Takes about 20 seconds to wipe the screen and then you can see to drive the car as it warms up.
I am struggling to reach 75 water and 60 degrees oil temp this weather.
I am struggling to reach 75 water and 60 degrees oil temp this weather.
Ah, but 'tis frozen on the inside of both front and rear screen....the old heater's doing a great job - encourages me to eat breakfast for a change while I wait for the car to demist / heat up. Much more pleasant start to the drive as well!!!
Must try to stop getting the tail out on every corner on these cold mornings though - it'll end in tears I'm sure!
Must try to stop getting the tail out on every corner on these cold mornings though - it'll end in tears I'm sure!
Tuscan Wil said:
I've been reading about warming up the engine from various posts and forums, and apparently warming the car up from first start up on the drive, just ticking over at 7-800 rpm, is the worst thing that tuscan owners can do. The engine is not spinning quick enough at this slow speed and it puts unwanted load on the valve gear, as there is not as much momentum for the cams to push the valves open compared to higher revs. So it is much better driving off slowly.
so how do you do yor warming proceedure then if you dont let it sit on idle?Gassing Station | Tuscan | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff