At 07:13 AM 01/01/99 EST, Ken wrote:
>I have been wanting to address this subject for a while now.  I try to always
>allow some warm-up time for my van at least when I start it for the first time
>each day.
>Usually I go out and crank her up about 15 mins before I leave in the morning.
>
...

I disagree with the need for warm-up time. I consider it an environmentally
unfriendly act and a waste of energy. Wear will occur during any warm-up. It
is mainly condensation and lubrication which you need to worry about. A much
more sensible solution would be to introduce a small oil pressure pump
(manual or electrical) which can supply oil pressure before the engine is
started. This will reduce wear much more than any warm-up. 
It is also recommended to not use high rpms and full throttle during
warm-up, because the oil is not as flexible and does not yet provide full
lubrication in all conditions.

YauMan Chan has also added a couple of good points to contradict the need
for warm-up in idle.

Bj�rn Ratjen

Mill Bay, B.C. 

1987 Syncro Est Alia (self camperized)
1995 Passat TD
(1982 Vanagon Diesel)
1979 VW Bus (self- camperized)