consequences of engine running cold?

[kl67]

hi, my engine has been running cold for the last week(150 to 160 deg F) and im pretty sure the thermostats stuck open(lukewarm air from heat, engine never reaches normal operating temperature), im going to get it replaced next week, i would just like to know will this cause any damage to the engine or any other parts of the car?

[Turd Munch]

No, you won't damage anything.  Generally, a hotter engine runs more efficient, but it won't hurt anything to run it a little cooler.  Thermostats are designed to operate neither fully open nor fully closed under normal driving conditions.  Having said that, you should get your thermostat repaired sooner than later, but you'll be ok for the time being.

[Smudgeward]

Best money you'll ever spend getting a new stat!  It will run so much better and more efficient you will think it's a new engine.  Most of the wear and tear on engines is caused in the first 5 minutes while they warm up, if they never do the engine will be a wreck in no time/miles.

[Dani G]

Cold running engines tend to sludge-up. If you run it like this for any length of time you'll need to also change the oil. However, you've only had the problem for a short while and are getting it fixed soon so you shouldn't have to worry about this.

[HandyMan]

Go ahead and have your thermostat checked and also check to see if the heater value is openning all the way up , if it's not then your heater will not get as hot as it should, and you will find the value hooked to one of the heater hoses.

[adam g]

Sounds like you called it.  Don't sweat running a little cool for a while.  Your gas mileage will suck because you'll never enter closed loop operations and you don't want to keep on that way for too long.  As long as you're going to get it fixed soon I wouldn't worry.  Depending on the model of car, make sure you don't get it back airbound.

[Jules G]

Consequences of engine running cold are :-

Increased engine wear and corrosion due to a greater concentration of combustion acids, poorly fitting parts and excess fuel and water (condensation) in the oil.

Greatly increased fuel consumption due to car running in cold running mode with elevated injection phase/pulse width and incorrect operation of engine management and 02 sensors

Greatly increased emissions and damage to the catalytic converter and EGR valve due to the incomplete combustion of fuel