KingCorvette93

When driving my car from cold starts, I keep it under 2k (maybe up to 3k is fine?) until the oil temperature is 175 degrees. As far as oil temperature goes, around the aforementioned range seems to be the consensus.

However, what about oil circulation?

Scenario:
The car is warmed up (200+ degrees) and has been driven well for about 20 minutes. You stop for gas, grab a snack, walk around the car admiring it... 10 minutes or so.

You start it up, and the oil temperature is still warm - over 200 degrees. So, can you still get on it? Or do you now need to wait for the oil to circulate, despite the temperature being good?

Perhaps a trivial distinction, but I had a similar scenario today. After the engine was shut off for 10 minutes or so, I revved first gear to 2.5k RPM, engine braking while approaching a stoplight. I thought maybe that wasn't so good since the oil hadn't circulated!

Thoughts?

Oldguychuck

I am sure you will hear opinions that range the entire spectrum. I have always thought as long as you oil temp is up and your engine has run for several seconds then you are good to go. Oil circulates fast once the oil pump is pumping and there is always some oil in the passages and it only takes a few seconds for the entire system to be fully protected.
However that is an opinion of an old guy who has had a bunch of cars...

FAUEE

You're being a bit paranoid. While it isnt GOOD to beat on it immediately, the engines are engineered to handle it. The main thing is to check for oil pressure. The rest is overkill, because at the end of the day, our engines are work truck motors. That's what makes courgettes great, is they're tough as nails. They're not European imports that you cant drive without your licensed driving shoes or you'll blow the engine. Drove it, enjoy it, and dont worry about it.

mcandrew67

I start it up get in and drive it away. End of story....

dr_gallup

If it's up to temp and the pressure is normal, floor it!

FWIW, I only wait for 150 degrees oil temp.

theandrewo

To answer your Q, no. The reason you wait to mash on it from cold start is for the oil to get warm. If the oil is cold, it can be too thick and slow moving to adequately lubricate your motor at high RPMs. So, waiting to mash on it until 175-ish is smart. I wait until 160. dr_gallup waits until 150, etc.

Once your oil is already warm, it can adequately lubricate your engine at high RPM. It only takes a few seconds for the oil to circulate at startup.

captain vette

+1 enjoy your car.