Obsessive pre-drive routines

[Dennis B.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

I will do as many of you above have done. I do however let the engine warm a bit to the point that the choke comes off. In all the replies above no one has mentioned a warm up period. Doesn't anybody else do this?

[Joe C.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

Here's my routine with the '65:

0. Think about uncovering it, but remember that I don't use a cover on it
1. Disconnect Battery Tender
2. Close knife switch on battery terminal
2a. Close and latch hood
3. Open driver's door
4. Sit on driver's seat
5. Close driver's door
6. Insert key in ignition switch
7. Pump gas 2 times
8. Put transmission in neutral
9. Release clutch
10. Turn ignition key until engine starts which always happens in less than one engine revolution
11. Warm engine for about 30 seconds despite the fact that the engine has a race carburetor with no choke and no choke horn
12. Drive off

[Duke W.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

I will do as many of you above have done. I do however let the engine warm a bit to the point that the choke comes off. In all the replies above no one has mentioned a warm up period. Doesn't anybody else do this?

Sitting at fast idle for several minutes to let the engine "warm up" is an obsolete concept that just wastes fuel other than, maybe, subzero weather, and I think you are confusing "choke comes off" with coming off the fast idle.

The engine actually comes off the choke immediately after startup due to the action of the choke vacuum break, but the fast idle speed drops gradually as the choke coil heats up and slowly releases the fast idle cam. The fast idle cam should be fully released before the engine reaches full operating temperature - somewhere between 100 and 160F coolant temperature.

The entire car needs to be warmed up - engine, transmission, axle, brakes, wheel bearings. The best way to do this is to drive off immediately after the fast idle has stabilized, which should be within a few seconds after startup.

Use light throttle and low revs- drive it like an old lady. This is usually easy to do if you live in a residential area that has some 25 MPH streets before you get to a 35-40 MPH boulevard, and hopefully you don't have to climb steep hills.

If you live less than a mile away from a freeway that you plan to take, figure out an alternate, longer route that gives the engine time to warm up to nearly full operating temperature before you enter the freeway.

In warm to hot weather, coolant temperature should be up to the normal range within a few minutes/couple of miles of driving, but it takes the oil longer, so don't demand WOT/maximum revs until about five minutes after coolant temperature reaches the normal range.

Some carburetors like the AFB have a secondary throttle lockout that inhibits secondary throttle opening until the choke coil has mostly released the fast idle cam. This is to save the idiots who start up a cold engine and immediately stomp on it. There are lots of morons out there.

Duke

[Timothy B.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

Here's my routine with the '65:

0. Think about uncovering it, but remember that I don't use a cover on it
1. Disconnect Battery Tender
2. Close knife switch on battery terminal
2a. Close and latch hood
3. Open driver's door
4. Sit on driver's seat
5. Close driver's door
6. Insert key in ignition switch
7. Pump gas 2 times
8. Put transmission in neutral
9. Release clutch
10. Turn ignition key until engine starts which always happens in less than one engine revolution
11. Warm engine for about 30 seconds despite the fact that the engine has a race carburetor with no choke and no choke horn
12. Drive off

Here's mine :-)

1. Think about uncovering the car and remember the car cover needs to be cleaned because I forgot to do it last year.
2. Open driver's door
3. Sit on driver's seat
4. Close driver's door
5. Insert key in ignition switch
6. Pump gas 2 times
7. Put transmission in neutral
8. Remember I forgot to tighten battery knob
9. Open door
10. Unlatch hood
11. Connect battery
12. Close hood
13. Sit back in car
14. Start engine
15. Back the car out of the garage and set emergency brake remembering the brake needs to be adjusted because the car keeps moving.
16. Hurry and close the garage door
17. Motor off.
18. Remember that I forgot my sunglasses...
19. Watch in my rear mirror the people tailgating me because they don't have a clue or care about my Corvette.

[Jim R.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

I admit it; I'm obsessive-compulsive and have a rather ridiculous lockstep routine that I go through before taking my '58 270 Duntov out for a cruise. Most of you guys would probably laugh if you saw me go through my drill, which includes (in strict order):- uncovering the car- raising the hood- connecting the battery- checking the oil level- lowering the convertible top- placing clean rags over the folded top's corners and frame to avoid contact with the seat covers and lid- checking tire pressure- eyeballing paint and chrome for smudges; cleaning, as needed- eyeballing engine compartment for obvious snafus before closing hood- checking under car for signs of unusual fluid leaks- noting date and odometer mileage in my log- checking mirrors for positioning- setting choke with accelerator, then three pumps before starting engine (number of pumps needed varies with time between starts)Then it's drive time!This all takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on whether or not I find any problems (leaks, bug splatters, tires low, etc.)Okay, I know that I'm sick and need help. How I envy those of you who can just jump in, turn the key, and blast off!Nobody else here is as nuts as I am. Right? Dave

Dave could you let us know your list after you return home and there are bugs all over the front of the car?

[Joe C.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

Here's mine :-)

1. Think about uncovering the car and remember the car cover needs to be cleaned because I forgot to do it last year.
2. Open driver's door
3. Sit on driver's seat
4. Close driver's door
5. Insert key in ignition switch
6. Pump gas 2 times
7. Put transmission in neutral
8. Remember I forgot to tighten battery knob
9. Open door
10. Unlatch hood
11. Connect battery
12. Close hood
13. Sit back in car
14. Start engine
15. Back the car out of the garage and set emergency brake remembering the brake needs to be adjusted because the car keeps moving.
16. Hurry and close the garage door
17. Motor off.
18. Remember that I forgot my sunglasses...
19. Watch in my rear mirror the people tailgating me because they don't have a clue or care about my Corvette.

Very
1, 8 and 18 incidents didn't happen as often when we were younger.
When you have a number 14a, stating that you "nail the brake after backing into garage door after forgetting to open it", that's when it's time to throw in the towel.

[Jaime G.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

your list list doesn't disturb me. The fact your driving a car that's achieved Duntov however, does.

Why are you disturbed hat he is driving his car?
I have achieved Duntov on 4ofmy cars and they all
get driven regularly. I am beginning the process on a 5th
car and will also drive it when it achieves its award.
What are hey for if not to be driven?

[Philip P.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

13a Get back out of car and open garage door.
Phil

[Paul J.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

Dave could you let us know your list after you return home and there are bugs all over the front of the car?

See Post #13.

[Jim R.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

See Post #13.

Thanks got it.

[Dan D.]