Extended Idling of Newer Ferraris | FerrariChat

Extended Idling of Newer Ferraris

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by designrs, Jan 14, 2021.

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  1. designrs

    designrs Rookie

    Jan 14, 2021
    5
    #1 designrs, Jan 14, 2021
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2021
    I know that it’s probably not recommended, but is it harmful to idle modern Ferraris for extended periods, such as over one and a half hours... simple idle and not revving the motor?

    Of course the easy answer is probably, “Don’t do it. It is not necessary,” but I really want to know the answer technically.

    I’ve researched idling cars but found no information specific to Ferrari. Most manufactures recommend starting and driving moderately until oil temps rise. Some say that electric fans will just kick on during extended idling to sufficiently cool the motor. Others say that there might not be enough oil pressure to sufficiently cool all parts of the motor.

    What is the true technical answer relative to newer Ferrari motors?

    Thank you!
     
  2. Ferrari Tech

    Ferrari Tech Formula 3

    Mar 5, 2010
    1,217
    Georgia
    Full Name:
    Wade Williams
    I am not sure why you refer to modern engines. But technically, I am not sure there is any disaster type issues. I would wonder why you would want to idle for 1 1/2 hours? Modern cars and engines will more than likely handle this without issue. In my experience, it takes RPM to get oil temp. Idling will create heat from combustion, but little from frictional force. Overheating would occur if there is an issue, but otherwise it should idle until it runs out of gas.
     
  3. designrs

    designrs Rookie

    Jan 14, 2021
    5
    Thank you @MerlinTech. I referred to modern engines with newer technology (computer control, electric fans, injection, etc.) to differentiate from classic cars which may not have such systems.
     
  4. designrs

    designrs Rookie

    Jan 14, 2021
    5
    I often photograph exotic cars along with fashion photography and like to let the cars run due to the need to frequently reposition the vehicles. Also, I like to keep the interior displays and exterior lights on.

    Starting a car and not letting it heat up can cause condensation and water accumulation in the oil... not to mention pegging the starter many times.

    I was told that letting the cars idle is fine, but I really want to be sure.
     
  5. wmuno

    wmuno Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 24, 2007
    522
    Wilmette, Illinois
    Full Name:
    Bill Muno
    Not a good idea for vintage V-12's. The alternator doesn't charge the battery under 2000 - 3000 RPMs. If the electric fans start, this is an additional drain on the battery which could prevent a restart after an extended period of idling. Is there an electric problem with modern engines?
     
    LARRYH likes this.
  6. Ferrari Tech

    Ferrari Tech Formula 3

    Mar 5, 2010
    1,217
    Georgia
    Full Name:
    Wade Williams
    Perfectly logical reasoning. Let it idle and snap away.
     
  7. LARRYH

    LARRYH F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 3, 2011
    9,666
    virginia usa
    I am not an expert but I think you risk having a battery issue . While the car charges at Idle I do not know if it would charge enough at an extended idle to have all the lights and systems running for a couple of hours at a time.. IF you do it start with a fully charged battery and then put the charger/maintainer on the car after turning off ..
     
  8. designrs

    designrs Rookie

    Jan 14, 2021
    5
    I downloaded a few owner’s manuals and found:
    - Do not warm up the engine when the vehicle is stationary.
    - Turn off the engine if the vehicle is kept stationary for long periods of time.
    - Put the car in Neutral if standing for extended periods of time
    - Use the air conditioning in moderation.

    - Avoid using the vehicle for short trips. (Which would be related to the condensation and water accumulation caused by not achieving proper operating temperatures.)

    So, from the above, I surmise that there is some reasonable care that must be taken for extended idling, which probably should be avoided all together when possible... even though no one is screaming about the issue on this thread.
     
  9. JTSE30

    JTSE30 F1 Rookie

    Oct 1, 2004
    3,559
    Austin TX
    812 starts honking the horn after 20 minutes of idling, it thinks you forgot and only way to stop the honking is to turn off the car, so, unless you can put up with the honking, moot point...
     
  10. designrs

    designrs Rookie

    Jan 14, 2021
    5
    I once few away in my airplane for about 4 hours. When I returned, I found my C7 Vette running in the open airplane hanger. It happens! LOL
     

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