how do you wake up your cold engine?

[cschannuth 3,816]

1 hour ago, tom2p said:

make that three nuts - lol

 

 

I almost never run an engine for a short period of time - tractor ... car ... whatever.

 

I will put a car in neutral and push it in the driveway - instead of starting a car to move it (so another car can be driven etc) ;  I actually do this fairly often 

as mentioned above - most engine wear occurs during cold start up 
 

and when the engine is first started - unburnt fuel etc and byproducts from combustion can make there way into the crankcase (oil).  Much of this 'stuff' will eventually burn off if the engine is run for a sufficient period of time - but will not if engine is run for just a short period of time.
 

This is also the reason I use as little choke as possible - to prevent excess fuel from making its way into the combustion chamber (and into crankcase).

Also illustrates the reason to change oil more frequently if you run engine for short periods - especially a cold engine.

 

I’m with ya...

[JohnD 145]

I've found starting full choke so the engine starts on fumes cuts down on the time the starter needs to engage.  I can bring the choke down to 1/3 or 1/2 almost immediately.  If it hesitates while the gas is still working its way up from the tank I might need to tap it back to full choke for a bit.

 

I don't know if is best, but my KT-17 seems happy starting at about 3/4 throttle.  I leave it there after I engage the hydro and let things warm up for a few more minutes.  The KT-17 gives a good growl and lets me know when the Eaton is ready to go. 

[haydendavid380 759]

I thought I read somewhere that the Kohlers don't get much oil splashing at idle.

 

I start with to clicks on the choke and throttle at idle.

 

After it fires I knock down the choke and throttle up to about halfway. 

 

I let it run for about 5 minutes while I shovel the steps and the areas I can't plow up by the house. I then push all the snow down hill into the road. That usually takes about 20 minutes. This is when I have to move the big piles into the yard. The engine is nice and warm by this point. I throttle all the way up and let her eat.

[ebinmaine 67,628]

7 hours ago, haydendavid380 said:

thought I read somewhere that the Kohlers don't get much oil splashing at idle.

Yessir. 

Oil and air flow are restricted. 

 

[Howie 886]

One might be suprised just how much oil is thrown around inside one of these engines. With the crank 

turning and the up and down movement of the piston and rod moves more oil than one thinks. Take the

dipstick out at idle and see how much oil you get! My personal belief is that the dipper does direct a lot

more oil directly to the rod itself, bit also know that it is very important for all over lubrication in the engine.