How I drive.. Does it Hurt? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tomm9298 · #1 12-08-2004, 01:16 PM

I drive very short distances 5 days out of 7 at speeds under 45 mph. I do mean short, 3 miles round trip to work. I run injector cleaner and 2 gallons of processed WVO every tank full. Two days out of the week I run her on the interstate at about 70 - 80 mph, still short trips though, less than 18 miles round trip.
My EGR somehow got a golf tee stuck in her, I hope this will prevent cokeing. Should I run her harder, longer, or am I ok?

All advice will be appreciated.

KCampbell · #2 12-08-2004, 02:22 PM

Does the engine even warm up fully over that short of a distance?

With any car, diesel or gasoline, these very short trips would probably be classified as "severe duty" and might call for more frequent oil changes. It is my understanding that moisture accumulates in the engine oil, from condensation on cold metal parts, and the engine never gets warm enough to boil it off. One of the symptoms tends to be a mayonnaise like gunk around the oil filler opening. The battery tends to be a bit stressed by this type of use too, a big current draw to start the engine and very little time to recover a charge.

Could you take a more scenic route to work to at least give the thing a chance to thoroughly warm up?

Kevin

cscmc1 · #3 12-08-2004, 02:26 PM

That's the reason I walk to work. Even if the condensation in the cool engine isn't a problem, the condensation in the exhaust is. It'll rust prematurely unless you drive long enough to boil it out (or so logic dictates).

Can you walk to work? I know that for logistical reasons (meetings, lunch, etc...) some folks can't, but I know that my daily walks keep me in decent shape and are incredibly relaxing! Just a thought...

Chris

tomm9298 · #4 12-08-2004, 02:29 PM

No, it never gets up to temp. The needle just budges off cold. I live in the city and moved here to be close to work, the commuters are coming in and I am heading out. Maybe I should leave 15 minutes earlier and run the freeway.

tomm9298 · #5 12-08-2004, 02:33 PM

Walking is a good idea. However, since June there have been 5 murders within 2 miles of my house. Inner city living has it's challenges.

cscmc1 · #6 12-08-2004, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomm9298

...since June there have been 5 murders within 2 miles of my house. Inner city living has it's challenges.

Yowch! Say no more. Perhaps by the time you install 1" think bulletproff glass all around, maybe your engine will work hard enough to get the car rolling that you'll be up to temp in a few blocks.

Man, I don't envy the city folk. This reminds of why I live here in the sticks!

Seriously, I'm sure others will chime in with more informed ideas, but I'd agree that all you can really do in the meantime is watch your oil change/tranny service/etc... intervals religiously. This is not just because of the temp. issue but the nature of city driving in general.

Good luck!

Chris

jpmaynard · #7 12-08-2004, 04:27 PM

try the most efficient machine ever made - a bicycle. something like 52X more efficient than a car, 3X more than walking. most of the time, i can get to work quicker by bike than by car in my small-town.

or some of those little scooters would be perfect too.

#8 12-08-2004, 04:45 PM

I have taken seriously this issue for many years. Even my lawn mower is left running until it reaches temperature!

If I start any of my cars, even to move out of the driveway to get another car out, I'll leave that car running for 15 or 20 minutes before shutting it down. I'm quircky that way, and it drives my family nuts!

BB

PS: Could you leave your car running for a little while at work, locked of course?

tomm9298 · #9 12-08-2004, 04:58 PM

That's a thought.... start my car earlier, lock it, can't leave it running at work, street parking. It's great that diesels use so little fuel idling, but that means a loooong warm up time. I have been using the block heater, and with that in conjunction with a longer idle will probrably help. SUPER idea BusyBenz!!!!

dlssmith · #10 12-08-2004, 05:55 PM

Just take a joy ride into the country once a week, sounds like you need it anyway. And that diesel smoke helps control the mosquitoes!!!

DS
87 300D

punky · #11 12-08-2004, 06:35 PM

My drive to work would only take me 2 minutes if I went a direct route. I always leave 15 or 20 min. earlier so I can take a drive and get the car up to temp. It heats up quickly anyway so that's not a problem. And any chance to drive the car is a good thing.
Is condensation that big a problem with diesels? I see gassers with water spitting out their exhausts every day, but I can't remember seeing diesels do the same thing.

Diesel Fan · #12 12-08-2004, 06:39 PM

Starting a car up and idling to operating temp is not a good idea. If you have the time to do that, why nor run it around the block a few times? That way the entire engine and the rest of the drivetrain has warmed up too.

phantoms · #13 12-08-2004, 07:10 PM

I would say if you use a block heater, that alone helps some.

engatwork · #14 12-08-2004, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Two days out of the week I run her on the interstate at about 70 - 80 mph

You are fine with what you are doing.

My low mileage cars get driven at least one time on weekends for at least 20+ minutes on I75 (80 mph min) and they are fine.

psfred · #15 12-08-2004, 07:58 PM

I'll second Jim. Run it once a week for 20 min on the highway, so that it gets at least 10 min of time with the temp gauge at 80C. This will also heat up the tranny and differential and get rid of any water accumulating.

A longer drive (an hour or so) once a month won't hurt anything at all, either.

The major problem you are going to have with a diesel is smoke and cruddy performance from carbon buildup in the pre-chambers. That hour long trip (driving hard) will help.

Peter