Warming up before the ride.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
Warming up before the ride.
OK guys; I have been reading a lot on here about warming up your engine before you ride to keep your base gaskets from leaking. I have about 20,000 miles on my 99 EVO, and so far no leaks. ( Don't want any either ) My question is, how long do you warm up at idle before you ride? It is generally in the 60's to 90's during the summer here, and gets colder than I want to ride many days in the winter. I do ride as long as it is 50deg. or warmer. I do have about a 1/2 mile lane from my house to the highway that I ride very slowly in first gear, but when I get to the highway I am up to about 50 to 55 pretty quick. I usually warm the engine at idle for a minute or so, and along with the 1/2 mile to the end of the lane, is this enough warmup, or should I let it idle for a little longer? Thanks for any and all replys in advanced.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,200
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
I think that should be enough. If I can run without the choke (on a carb) then I figger it's about warmed up. I let it warm up a minute or two, pull my driveway, make it the half mile to pavement and figger that's about good enough for me too. I don't really nail it for a bit after that.
On the Sporty, I've datalogged the temp, and it doesn't really get to full operating temp for maybe 5+ miles, depending on the ambient temp, speed, etc. It actually warms up slower when moving at highway speeds than when idling. I did have an issue with leaky head gaskets due to torquing to the specs that came with the aftermarket head gaskets instead of using the method in the book like I always did in the past. It would pop out the side at the gaskets for about 30 seconds, then everything expanded up and sealed, so you can probably use that as a good guestimate for gasket sealing purposes. And always use the torque to initial spec, then add 1/4 turn method and not the torque to this spec and be done method.
On the Sporty, I've datalogged the temp, and it doesn't really get to full operating temp for maybe 5+ miles, depending on the ambient temp, speed, etc. It actually warms up slower when moving at highway speeds than when idling. I did have an issue with leaky head gaskets due to torquing to the specs that came with the aftermarket head gaskets instead of using the method in the book like I always did in the past. It would pop out the side at the gaskets for about 30 seconds, then everything expanded up and sealed, so you can probably use that as a good guestimate for gasket sealing purposes. And always use the torque to initial spec, then add 1/4 turn method and not the torque to this spec and be done method.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 16
I have an 84 that has been worked a bit.I always try to let it idle until it gets uncomfortable to touch the rocker box bare handed.Now yours is a few years newer,and the company always makes a few changes year to year.My bases dont leak either so I reckon both work well.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,190
Likes: 5
From: Eastern Washington
[quote=Dr.Hess;5462964]I think that should be enough. If I can run without the choke (on a carb) then I figger it's about warmed up. quote]
I agree with the carb models. After starting it, if you push the choke in and it idles smoothly, then its warm and ready to ride
I agree with the carb models. After starting it, if you push the choke in and it idles smoothly, then its warm and ready to ride
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 67
From: Hooterville, Fl.
My 98 Dyna evo has 46,000 miles on it and 40,000 of them are mine. I generally let it warm up about 3 minutes before riding off, then take it easy not lugging or revving high. Some mornings when I leave for work at 5 am, I crank it and ride out to the highway so as to not disturb the neighbors too bad, then let it idle a bit before getting on the highway. My evo takes a while to warm up enough to idle without the enrichner. After 46,000 miles my base gaskets still do not leak.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
Sounds like I am on the right track. I may start letting it warm up a little longer as the weather starts cooling off. Mine will idle after the enrichener is pushed in after about 3 minutes, but I still have to hold a little throttle as it idles to slow when it is still warming up. Guess its better to have it warm than going off still cold. Thanks for the responses. I have learned a few things. Jim
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
Evo cylinders grow about .040" from cold to normal operating temps. This can take up to 10 minutes depending on the variables, riding style temperature, etc. But usually it is a little less. This growth is needed for good gasket sealing. Not warming up is the major cause of these leaks. The second most common cause is extended periods at high RPM's. The breather system was originally designed for a smaller engine with less RPM Potential and iron cylinder that were fastened to the head and block with much shorter bolts. Combine that with the smog regulations that state you can no longer vent to the atmosphere and you have a recipe for leaks. So basically you need to add more breather area. Another piece that seems to be helping is a one-way valve like the new S&S reed valve breather or the Spyke Krank vent that goes in your breather line then to a filtered breather. Hope this helps.
Last edited by miacycles; Aug 21, 2009 at 08:17 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 47
From: New Hartford CT
I only use the choke to start the bike and then use my throttle lock to hold the rpm's around 1500 while it warms up. I touch the rocker box in order to determine if it's warmed up enough. The indy mechanic that did my motor work suggested this method to me.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 82
From: nj
Let the bike warm up completely and there should be no leaks I have 48,000 miles and no leaks. It is a 98 superglide. I bought te bike in oct of 97 and just changed the original battary and never used a battary tender. The battary said sept 97 on it Just take care of and watch the motor work that you do to it Don't overfill the oil on it keep it low on the dipstick for expansion Good luck
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