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Maintenance & Repair Long Time Car Storage Tips
35 messages, Last post on Dec 06, 2009 at 11:06 AM
You are in the Maintenance & Repair Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright
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Replying to: robian1 (Jul 21, 2008 10:07 am) I trust you have a "radio code" handy if your battery runs down, presuming you have that type of radio.
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jul 21, 2008 2:26 pm)
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Replying to: robian1 (Jul 23, 2008 3:33 pm) The security code is set by the manufacturer, and when you buy the car you get the code. 8 weeks is really nothing, as long as the car is in good maintenance with a decent battery. I've had situations where we were moving, and I've left vehicles for months on end a couple of occassions. I have a vehicle now which sits usually about a month at a time. I usually start up and drive around once a month. |
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Ok, my brother parked his 91' firebird - give or take - some five years ago. It was driven into the car port and shut off - no extra measures taken. He has finally decided to give it to me, I know the rear tranny seal needs to be replaced, but my first question is how do I make sure that I don't mess anything up when I first crank it up after this long - will the oil level show true if there is even any left in it? Does oil dry up after that long? I have no idea here . . . . My first agenda is to get it cranked and make sure the motor will be ok before I send it to the shop. Once at the shop, I know I need to have that seal replaced and plan to have a full tune up done, down to gaskets and hoses and fluids.
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Replying to: srhodes1980 (Aug 30, 2008 4:35 am) - I think I'd do an oil change before trying to start, and then assume you get the vehicle started at some point.....change it again shortly thereafter. - I wouldn't even mess with the old battery, I'd just replace it or put in a known good battery from another vehicle. - I'd think serously about dropping the gas tank, getting all the old gas out, flushing it out, then putting it back in and flushing the fuel lines via the fuel pump. - I'd take the plugs out, and try turning the engine over by hand (or with the starter), to get a couple revolutions on it and make sure it isn't frozen. Good luck with your 'gift' 
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Replying to: kiawah (Aug 30, 2008 5:50 am) Do NOT attempt to jump start an old dead battery. It could blow up in your face (literally). And draining the gas is essential. It has changed chemically and will screw everything up. Yes, a nasty job but way less expensive than cleaning out your entire fuel system 5 times. And after you get it running, you'll need to drain the flush the brake system, change the oil and filter and tune it up, also new air and fuel filter. The various seals might leak, but they might also swell up again and stop leaking. You'll have to assess this after running the car around for a while. I presume the tires are toast as well. Work slowly, be safe. Remember, you only mess up a job when you don't give yourself enough time. It's sat for years, so if you don't get it going in a day, wait another day, or as long as you need. |
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here is a list of car storage facilities from around the world. most are located in the U.S. and GB. If anyone has any good articles or tips to post please let me know. Thanks, www.insidecarstorage.com |
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The car has 88000 original miles on it. I need to start this car and am not sure how to go about it. It was parked in Florida (east coast 15 miles inland from the ocean) since Sept of 08...just had it hauled to central Illinois. The battery was disconnected but that's all that was done when it was parked, I'm sure that it had less than a quarter tank of gas in it. What do I need to do before starting the car? I am not really mechanically inclined but can do simple things like changing oil etc. Was told it would be ok if I added fuel treatment and fresh gas and just tried to start it. I don't wanna hurt the car by doing something wrong. I don't have any one nearby to help me.
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Replying to: harley62 (Dec 05, 2009 6:28 pm) Then you will need a new battery. Charging a battery that dead is DANGEROUS. I'd also consider removing the spark plugs, squirting a little oil (just a teaspoon) into each cylinder and then, depending on how the plugs look, re-using them or installing new ones. I would start cranking the engine with the ignition coil grounded but you may wish to check with a Jaguar expert to see if this is safe for the ignition system. You don't want to fry one of those V-12 black boxes! I'm suggesting this so that the engine can build up some oil pressure before it starts. Howver, with all the gas drained out, it's probably not going to start right up anyway, so maybe you're okay there. Once the engine starts, don't RACE it--just let it idle for 15 minutes or so, then drain out the old oil, and install fresh oil and filter. Once it it running okay and you have clean oil in there, you can check the tires for cracks and flat spots, and carefully check the brakes to make sure there is no seizure of the calipers or the emergency brakes. For a test drive, I suggest the 1-5-50 rule, which is: drive 1 mile, stop and check for leaks top and bottom drive 5 miles, do the same drive 50 miles---if she runs well, doesn't leak, pull, steam, scream, buck or protest----you are good to go. Other optional items, depending on a visual inspection would be to flush the coolant and the brake fluid. ALSO ---these engine are PRONE TO FIRES-----so when you begin the resuscitation process, have a fire extinguisher handy and be on careful watch for fuel line leaks in the engine compartment.
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 06, 2009 7:34 am) I will check with Jaguar about the ignition coil...not sure where it's at anyway. I know that the tires are good...no cracks or flat spots...the friend that hauled it here for me checked them out. The car isn't much but it has a great history and I don't wanna do any damage to it so thanks for the advice about the fire extinguisher. |
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