Live in Florida so it doesnt get to cold here. 1988 318. How long should I warm/Idle up in the following?

40 degrees.

80 degrees.

 

Once you have oil pressure, go ahead and drive it. BUT, take it easy until the temp gauge shows some movement, and wait until fully warmed up to really romp on it.

 

Could you read a tach as well? I use the tach in my car and wait for it to stop going down.

 

I never heard using a tach b4. But i have a 1992 Dodge W150 with 318 magnum and i live up here in Montana. When its -40 i let it idle for about 10-20 minutes, the temp gauge has moved some what. 35 above 0 or higher, hope in, run for 5 minutes or so then drive nice an easy. 80 degrees, wait till i see the oil pressure stops at its peak and drive.

 

I'd second the advice from Montana for the better way. I'm usually not that friendly to my vehicles though. If the windows are clear I usually hop in and go. The carbureted ones I let idle until they are running smooth. Otherwise they get to warm up until the defroster is doing its job. I don't drive them hard until they are warmed up though.

Derek

 

to explain the tach idea: he waits until the engine drops to its normal rpm.

I was going to suggest the same thing, but I don't have a tach so I wait until I hear the rpms drop. by this time, the oil pressure is normal and the temp gauge is on its way to normal.

I don't experience sub-freezing temperatures here in southern Arizona, but it does get down to 40F sometimes.