1989 Plymouth Acclaim Pre-driving Idle Time

SD

MEMBER
1989 PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

I recently purchased a 1989 Plymouth Acclaim from a friend - he told me I have to let the car idle for about 10 minutes before I drive it. He says this is because the combination of aluminium and another type of metal in the engine, and that if I don't let it idle, something bad will happen that will cost alot to fix. Another friend says it's not good to idle the car for so long. Anything you can do to clarify this for me would be appreciated.

Monday, December 29th, 2008 AT 5:24 PM

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

It is a good idea to give the car a shot time to stabilize, but with modern engines you wont have to wait 10 min, and you certainly wont do any damage if you do. Just as long as the oil pressure is up and stable and no warning lights are on, you can drive off, but just take it easy and no racing the engine till it is warm, that is when you can do some damage, normal driving will be quite OK.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Monday, December 29th, 2008 AT 5:31 PM