warm up, popping heads, V6

[Pottree@domain.elided]

In a message dated 9/25/2002 3:21:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:


> It has been drilled into me that the main reason for the Alfa V-6 
> popping head gaskets is that people drive them when cold, and  these 
> engines have too much oil pressure when the oil is cold. Since blown 
> head gaskets are definately a BAD THING, I have, since I bought my 
> current GTV-6, been in the habit of not moving the car until the water 
> temperature gauge needle has visibly moved off it's rest pin. This 
> MIGHT be unnecessary, but its better than a blown head gasket.
> 

I've had 2 V6s, the GTV6 which I've had for around 13 years now (time flies) 
and the former 75, which we had, I think, 4 years.  I've never had a head 
gasket blow.  I've never had any of those problems and I've never let a 
"modern" car warm up by sitting around.  I don't think it's necessary or 
advisable (and if I'm in agreement with Click and Clack it may be a first!).  
I just start 'em up and drive 'em away... albeit modestly until they come up 
to operating temp.  I try to make it a point never to take a cold car over 
3000 RPMs.  But I don't think the "newer" cars need to be left running for 5 
minutes before backing out of the garage.  Sounds to me like a hangover from 
long ago.

I believe the technical term for that is old wives' tale, or in modern 
parlance, urban legend.  I can't promise I have perfect logic on my side, but 
I do have a significant number of happy Alfa miles on 2 4s and 2 6s to back 
up my technique.

Disclaimer: although I've driven them all over the place, these Alfas have 
all resided in comfy LA; they are not typically subject to glacial conditions 
when parked.  Never had to leave a 100 W bulb burning under the hood to 
prevent freezing up, for example.   

Charlie
LA, CA, USA
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