After an Oil Change...

[monkeybongos]

Do you let the engine idle for a couple minutes before hitting the road?

I haven't been, and after the last oil change the engine sounded a bit rough for the first few miles,
like it was growling instead of purring.  It was cooler than usual (high 50s), wondering if oil hadn't had
a chance to circulate enough and that caused the rough sound.  As I usually let the oil drain for a couple hours,
maybe it's extra important to do pre-ride idling?

[Iahawk]

I recall seeing a video of a (Russian?) guy who had a car with a clear valve cover on it...and he started it in below zero conditions. It was surprising how quickly oil got to the top of the engine, even in those conditions. Something like a few seconds.

I would think that a bike or scooter would be fully oiled in a matter of 5-10 seconds, if not sooner? But, yes, I always idle my bikes a few minutes before riding as I gear up, first, then do a quick pre ride check of tail light, brake light, headlight and all turn signals. AFter an oil change I'll idle it for a minute or two before re checking oil level.

When you say you haven't been idling yours after an oil change, how quickly do you ride away after starting?

[Ruffus]

If you had oilfilter (cartridge) and mesh filter out I would risk this one liter of oil, open filter and mesh filter again and check for blocked oilways.
Might not be, but ....

I had a brand new filter cartridge once which had one gasket too much (something looked different to me) and I fortunately had a light moment to check again.

[monkeybongos]

When you say you haven't been idling yours after an oil change, how quickly do you ride away after starting?

5-10 seconds.  Saw a video— think it was Ari from Revzilla—saying there’s no need to idle before taking off.  But it is good to cruise at 30 or so mph for a few minutes before going fast. 

Ruffus, the scoot in question only has a mesh filter.  Can’t imagine it was cause blocking.

[rjs987]

True, but only for fuel injected engines. No need to idle those to warm up before every ride. Just 15-30 seconds... maybe a minute MAX. But then ride easy for the first few miles before burning rubber.

That said, I do let any bike idle for about 5-10 minutes AFTER AN OIL CHANGE to ensure the oil is distributed throughout the engine AND oil filter AND properly coats the cylinder walls. When you drain the oil the cylinder walls will have less on them. Even though the oil makes it to the top of the engine right away it does take a little longer before cylinder walls are bathed enough with fresh new oil. But the bigger reason I do this is to make certain that I added the right amount of oil. I initially add a little more than needed and then let it run on idle as I said to fill the oil filter (since I always also change that at every oil change) and invariably I have to add just a little more to bring it to the proper level. Then I go for a short ride of a mile or two, or maybe a few more, and check again. If the level shows I need to add yet a little more then I do that. If the level then shows good then I figure I'm good to go. But I do the normal checks before a ride.

But that is the only time I let a fuel injected bike idle for more than a minute before riding off. I've read it actually does more harm than good to do a long idle on fuel injected engines.

Now, on engines with a carborator it is best to idle until warmed up. If there is a manual choke then idle until you can turn off the choke (I've had a few bikes like that).

[monkeybongos]

Your comments make sense, Bob, thanks for chiming in.  I'll do longer idles after oil changes, and add a few seconds to normal pre-ride warmups.

Why do carb bikes need longer warm-up?  Gather it has nothing to do w oil, but rather fuel?

[Iahawk]

carbs have problems in the cold for a couple of reasons...cold air is denser, thus increasing the air to fuel ratio plus carbs cool quickly and any condensation can ice up, plus in cold weather the fuel doesn't vaporize as well.

[rjs987]

Your comments make sense, Bob, thanks for chiming in.  I'll do longer idles after oil changes, and add a few seconds to normal pre-ride warmups.

Why do carb bikes need longer warm-up?  Gather it has nothing to do w oil, but rather fuel?

What Iahhawk said... it is also rare for a carb engine to have an automatic idle and computer controlled fuel system. But normal for fuel injected engines.

Actually what I said is that I do a very short pre-ride warmup normally. In warm weather I often am riding down the road within maybe 30 seconds after I start the bike. In cold weather, below freezing, I will let it idle for a minute or a little more. I ride in some very cold temps in central Iowa. Sometimes down well below zeroF. My riding range is anywhere near -15F to around 105+F for the last 15 years so have just a little experience with warming up the bike in any temp condition.

[monkeybongos]

I ride in some very cold temps in central Iowa. Sometimes down well below zeroF.

I don’t think I’d enjoy snow skiing in those temps, never mind riding.
It’s said there’s no bad weather, only bad clothes. Guess I have a lot of bad clothes.

[Stig / Major Tom]

I don't idle anything with EFI, cars or scoots.
My LIKE200i starts instantly and settles into a smooth idle in @ 5>10 seconds.
My Piaggio Liberty starts well and settles into a nice idle in 15 seconds.
Then I ride (or drive the auto) gently for a bit. Letting the oil warm - then I rip off at my customary 30 > 38MPH!

(I had to abuse my 17 yr old Silverado at 70+MPH for an hour the other day to get to a Dr's appt on time. I checked the oil when I got home. "0" oil loss. The truck gets to Nat'l Pit Stop for oil and filters 3 or 4 times a year - religiously, and it gets the cold start treatment as noted above)

Stig

[randyo]

carbs have problems in the cold for a couple of reasons...cold air is denser, thus increasing the air to fuel ratio plus carbs cool quickly and any condensation can ice up, plus in cold weather the fuel doesn't vaporize as well.

that's why there is a winter blend fuel and summer blend