Date: Thu, 05 Dec 2002 08:43:41 +0100 From: Robert Brown <rjbnopsamripnetvvv.se> Subject: Re: SAAB 9-5 headlamps
Eric wrote: > > > That's correct, no heavy loads, and don't believe the temp gauge in cold > > weather, cars need often 15 minutes or more to get nice and warm. > > > > But leave it idling is plain stupid! I forget to mention the irritation > > of the sound and smell for the neighbours. > > Excuse me for being a bit blunt here but the question is regarding > the headlamps, NOT THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF IDLING MY ENGINE > FOR 2 MINUTES OR LESS; until the temperature gauge indicates it is > sufficiently warm to depart my house. And furthermore, please do not > attempt to discern my living conditions from those commonly found in > your own. Last time I checked American building standards provided > sufficient insulation to protect the neighbors (closest is 200+ > meters) from the sound of an engine being started and idling at > approximately 1000 RPM or from the smell of exhaust. Additionally, I > do not see how idling an engine "shortens the life" of the engine... > AND DON'T REFER TO ME OR MY ACTIONS AS STUPID, IT IS AN INSULT! > If you have a question about how long I let it idle, ask... don't > assume. Consider yourself insulted then. Contemporary engines have become so efficient that it takes a relatively long time for them to reach operating temp. Putting a slight load on them (driving them nice and easy for a few minutes initially) will bring them up to temp more quickly and thereby reduce the amount of crap that cold engines throw out into the air. In other words there is not the same advantage these days in letting cold engines idle up to temp. I'm happy for you, that your "American building standards" allow you to cold idle your engine. But what I don't understand is your wish to avoid blinding your neighbours (in your original posting) - and then you tell us now that these same neighbours are more than 200 metres away from your car. WHAT IS THE WATTAGE OF THESE LIGHTS YOU'RE USING? /Robert
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