Technical Turbo doesn't like cold weather?

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Technical Turbo doesn't like cold weather?

Joined
Jun 23, 2014
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Hi all,

My 500x's (1.4) turbo seems to struggle on first start in the cold weather - is this just me or is it to be expected? I'm not sure if it's specifically cold-weather related but I have been noticing it more recently since the temperature has dropped.

Sometimes (like 2-3 times from 10-15 journeys a week) when I first drive first thing in the morning or after work, the usual "kick" that I get out of each gear (most notably 2nd and 3rd) just isn't there, meaning it often accelerates more like our 6 year old 500 Pop.

I've read about restarting the car, which does seem to work if I stop after a few minutes, turn it off and turn it back on again, but it's hardly convenient to stop and start mid-journey for now reason.

Is this normal or is there an underlying issue with my car?
 
Mines the same when it’s cold.....Always a bit sluggish till it warms up maybe 2 or 3 bars on the temp then it’s fine. I first noticed it when I go up a steep hill just round the corner from my home.
 
Haven't noticed it with mine yet. Is it the same for all driving "mood" settings?
 
Maybe it is a self protect system, won;t allow the turbo to cut in unless the oil is warm enough and circulating properly to protect the turbo bearings. A bit like letting the engine run fo a minute or two are a long fast drive so the oil does not carbonise in the turbo. Only a guess.
 
Maybe it is a self protect system, won;t allow the turbo to cut in unless the oil is warm enough and circulating properly to protect the turbo bearings. A bit like letting the engine run fo a minute or two are a long fast drive so the oil does not carbonise in the turbo. Only a guess.

My thinking as well. Can not say I've really noticed what the original poster has reported but would say that "old school" practices like allowing the fighter engine to warm up before demanding full power have their proven value. This is why in many WWII pictures/film shots (aka videos) it was common practice for the aircraft engineers/despatch teams to be seen warming up the aircraft ready for scramble!

On these cold mornings I do the same in my 500X Road Fighter :D
 
I don't think the adage "Don't rev the nuts off a cold engine" is used anymore, and sounds like this is a safeguard against it.

I'm always careful first 5-10 minutes, wouldn't want to do long term damage to the engine.
 
I don't think the adage "Don't rev the nuts off a cold engine" is used anymore, and sounds like this is a safeguard against it.

I'm always careful first 5-10 minutes, wouldn't want to do long term damage to the engine.

Interesting. I'm not really a "car person" and know next to nothing about what goes on under the bonnet (other than where to fill up the washer fluid) and nothing about the engine or caring for it was said to me when buying, so I'm learning haha.
 
Warming up before exertion is always a good idea. Athletes, sports persons etc. all do this.

Whilst modern engines are built to far higher tolerance levels than in years gone by nothing is perfect. Formula 1 Racing engines (the holy grail of engine perfection and accurate tolerances) require "pre heating" via external oil and water fluid pumps that bring the engine and gearbox up to 60degC. BEFORE the engine is fired up. Once fired up then then often there is a sequence of idling, faster speeds, revving cycles etc.

Here is are a couple of nice noisy examples:




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56zbHewJHJE


And just for fun ...... To Her Majesty (listen a short while)

 
All turbo cars are like this.

Even my diesel is the same.

Never try demand full power from a cold turbo, you could kill it. It is being starved of oil, hence the hesitation, i demanded full boost from mine a few times when cold and it boosts a little then hangs at around 4k... if i back off and gently demand the power its then fine and then will give full boost when demanded.

From what i have read, the cold oil is thicker and doesnt get enough through the turbo until its warmed up and is thinner, you can assist this by gently demanding boost a few times... if I gently demand it once when cold... it usually does the trick then is fine, sometimes i have to do it twice.

Anyhow, since my misses has been admitted to hospital i have drove daniella like a grandad and barley demanded boost, im trying conserve fuel at the moment with all the extra miles to and from hospital, school, parents houses etc.
 
I just think about it intuitively from a physics perspective.

The car components and fluids are designed to be used at operating temperature. Both have different levels of viscosity and coefficients of linear expansion which are amiss from the ideal when cold. In winter this is even more relevant as the variance between the ambient temperature and the operating temperature increases.

I just try and take it easy for the first 5-10 minutes when I drive. Luckily where I am helps because the first part of the journey is always around idle revs for a couple of minutes.
 
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