401 - Oil & water temperature gauges

[dave dale]

Originally Posted by Kevin H

Dave, have you ever considered a sump/crankcase heater?

It doesn't have to be intrusive. You can get heaters nowadays that stick to the outside of the sump, although internal heaters are obviously more effective.

Thanks Kevin. I get around the problem on cold days by running the engine at 1300 to 1400 rpm with the car stationary before setting off. With the radiator blinds in place the oil heats up and allows the needle to rise off the stop within about 5 minutes. After setting off the needle rises to 50C shortly afterwards. The sump heater is a good idea but London does not get all that cold these days ( climate change ? ) and, when away from home, there is not often somewhere handy to plug it in. Dave.