Short Engine Runs

[OutdoorSpace]

With the 2.0L direct-injection, oil dilution is a concern for a lot of us. Using the 4xe in Hybrid mode, we are more prone to short engine runs than a Jeep with just a 2.0L in it.

What do you guys do to avoid short engine runs? Is there a threshold oil temp you try to get to if the ICE kicks in? Or are you looking to run it for X amount of time?

I usually don’t use hybrid, and instead force Electric for streets and then E-Save for highway. But there’s been plenty of times where I’ve kicked in the ICE while in full Electric by accident and then wondered how long I should run it before going back to Electric.

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[Msquad]

Sounds like you do the same as I do. When I go to work it is like 8/9 miles to the expressway. I use electric for that and then 18 miles of getting my oil temp up to 190+ the rest of the way.
When I leave work I start with engine and based on how many electric miles I have left, switch over to electric to be able to roll into the driveway at close to 0 left electric. I do the kind of thinking for any commutes taken. Weekend runs, local, all electric.

Had my 4xe 1.5 years and have never seen FORM. I also have half covers on my grill for winter months. Hybrid mode is never a choice for me.

 

[lindaspins]

This winter I've left my Jeep in Hybrid due to the low temps. There have been a lot of short engine runs, but there hasn't been FORM. I normally stay in electric for local driving and hybrid for highway driving. I only use esave if I want to hold my charge for some reason later in the day, like trails or giving someone a demo.
Lots of us overthink the 4xe. I've reached a point where I'm happy letting it do its thing, and it's working out well.
'21 Rubicon, 35k miles, NE Ohio snow belt.

 

[OutdoorSpace]

I am a few months short of 3 years in the 4xe here in AZ and haven’t been in FORM yet. ?

Any idea what the magic engine temp is to prevent dilution? @Msquad you mention 190deg, I tend to go to 140deg but that’s a guess at best…

 

[rforbes]

190 degrees is typically where they say gas will vaporize from the oil. I try and stick with just electric mode and take freeway trips on e-save. If I am having trouble keeping the ICE running when I want it to I just shift into manual.

 

[Ron93YJ]

I’ve got a 21 Rubicon 4xe. Coming up on 3 years of ownership and 43k miles in Pittsburgh, PA. I use E-Save when it’s really cold to prevent as many engine stop/starts. Hasn’t failed me yet! It also probably helps that I’m driving around 50-70 miles a day and my engine has plenty of time to warm up.

 

[sconrad24]

With the 2.0L direct-injection, oil dilution is a concern for a lot of us. Using the 4xe in Hybrid mode, we are more prone to short engine runs than a Jeep with just a 2.0L in it.

What do you guys do to avoid short engine runs? Is there a threshold oil temp you try to get to if the ICE kicks in? Or are you looking to run it for X amount of time?

I usually don’t use hybrid, and instead force Electric for streets and then E-Save for highway. But there’s been plenty of times where I’ve kicked in the ICE while in full Electric by accident and then wondered how long I should run it before going back to Electric.

So you could set one of the side bars to show your usage percentage. Once I get close to 100% I try to back off the gas pedal a little in electric if my ice hasnt been warmed yet. I havent timed it but its seems like it will give you a few seconds of 100% in electric mode before triggering the ice. Hybrid is more like 50-75%, atleast on the side bar screen on the dash, idk what the actual threshold is.

 

[BXFXJeep]

Manual can get the temps up very quickly, it's just a nuisance when you have to chuck it in reverse it cuts the engine, most times I try to remember to E-Save when I have to do reverse.

I don't think the odd accidental engine start is a problem, I get a few of those, when I forget to put it back into electric mode, Hybrid mode tends to kick on the engine a lot.

 

[Senrusho]

I got some 3d printed things off ebay to block off part of the grill when its super cold out, but really the main thing I do to solve the problem is just do more frequent oil changes in the winter.

 

[OutdoorSpace]

I got some 3d printed things off ebay to block off part of the grill when its super cold out, but really the main thing I do to solve the problem is just do more frequent oil changes in the winter.

I may have to try this. I’ve been focusing this week on hitting 190degF and dayum my drives are either too short, too cold outside or a combo of both. I’d say 75% of the time it would never get up to that temp.

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