Pre-Warming your engine?

[tazzman68]

Ok, was at the local track this morning and there was this guy warming his nitro motor with a heat gun before he started it.
Now I can understand that it could be beneficial in getting a cold blooded engine going faster, but are there any other benefits like will it make a motor last longer?

 

[SDMorris]

No, usually the purpose of pre-heating the motor with something like a heat gun or a blow dryer is purely for the purpose of easier starting, and a quicker warm up. The faster you can warm up your motor, the faster you can tune, and make sure its running good. It also makes it much easier to start since the internals are already warm and somewhat expanded, which alows the piston to move easier and the nitro to fire quicker.

Hope this helps :jamout:

 

[tazzman68]

It definitely answered my question. Thank you very much.

 

[SDMorris]

No problem, and I know this is kinda late but I haven't said it yet, welcome to HPISF!

 

[Shaun]

welcome to hpisf buddy!!! and as to your question i've read a article which stated that pre warming a engine actually reduces engine wear as we all know things expand a bit when heated so less stress on the engine (especially a new engine) it does make sense

 

[THE JUDGE]

+1 on the preheating...Before the engine gets up to operating temp, the sleeve/piston fit is tighter than it's designed to actually run at, so the piston "grinds" against the sleeve until both parts expand to their respective correct diameters...thus, extra wear.

 

[tazzman68]

welcome to hpisf buddy!!! and as to your question i've read a article which stated that pre warming a engine actually reduces engine wear as we all know things expand a bit when heated so less stress on the engine (especially a new engine) it does make sense

I thought it might, that's why I asked. But I wouldn't think it would be much otherwise the you would think the manufacturer would suggest it.
I think I may give it a try next time the weather permits and see if it makes the start a bit easier.
Thanks again I really appreciate all the help and advice.
Eddie
Oh and thanks for all the belated welcomes too!

 

[X]

Also it takes less fuel/time until you can drive it hard.