Running the engine..
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 366
Likes: 9
From: Austin TX
Running the engine..
Ok, so I have seen a number of various posts that say in the northern climates that you should not start your engine during the winter while storing your Vette. The reasoning seeming to be that the condensation will develop by running it w/o driving it.
Although my theory is unfounded, it seems to me that their are also wear/tear side effects of not starting it. (this is extreme, but I think about the case... if a car is allowed to sit, and never runs, the motor will eventually cease up. -- No, I am not really worried about an engine ceasing up after 6mo of winter. Its more about the point that not running an engine can cause it to cease up.)
Is an engine really better off to be started and driven every day, then to be parked and not run? Are modern engines really ever at risk of ceasing up by not running them? (What factors contribute to an engine ceasing up, and how long of sitting would it really take to cease up an engine?)
Although my theory is unfounded, it seems to me that their are also wear/tear side effects of not starting it. (this is extreme, but I think about the case... if a car is allowed to sit, and never runs, the motor will eventually cease up. -- No, I am not really worried about an engine ceasing up after 6mo of winter. Its more about the point that not running an engine can cause it to cease up.)
Is an engine really better off to be started and driven every day, then to be parked and not run? Are modern engines really ever at risk of ceasing up by not running them? (What factors contribute to an engine ceasing up, and how long of sitting would it really take to cease up an engine?)
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
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Re: Running the engine.. (Sting1978)
Is an engine really better off to be started and driven every day, then to be parked and not run?
Although the engine might not go to the extreme and completely cease, you will certainly have less trouble out of it if you drive it regularly. All those moving parts are meant to move. Seals and gaskets will dry out and you'll have a leaking mess. Those may also be the least of your worries.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 110
From: Brandon Fl
Re: Running the engine.. (Sting1978)
If you are going to store your car and start it from time to time then you should make sure everything comes up to operating temps before you turn it off so that you burn off all the collected condensation.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,833
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From: Calgary, Alberta
Re: Running the engine.. (Steve87VETTE)
If you are going to store your car and start it from time to time then you should make sure everything comes up to operating temps before you turn it off so that you burn off all the collected condensation.
This is what I do with my Car. Never had a problem in the last 8 years doing this.
Elite Torch Red Member
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
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Re: Running the engine.. (Sting1978)
The way I see it, if it's stored indoors, you are going to have to pull it out to start it, why not take it for a drive?
If stored outdoors, well it's outside already, take it for a drive.
If stored outdoors, well it's outside already, take it for a drive.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 366
Likes: 9
From: Austin TX
Re: Running the engine.. (Steve87VETTE)
If you are going to store your car and start it from time to time then you should make sure everything comes up to operating temps before you turn it off so that you burn off all the collected condensation.
Mojo: It is stored inside, but I cant drive it. Two reasons:
1. take insurance off for the winter months;
2. snow here comes and stays all winter. That, and Minnesota loves to use lots of salt. :eek:
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Re: Running the engine.. (Sting1978)
I know for a fact that IC motors can seize (note spelling) during a long period of inactivity.
I think you'd have to start and run the motor for about 30 minutes AFTER it reaches normal operating temps to prevent condensation from entering into the picture (even then, I believe the primary victim of this condensation is the exhaust sytem, not the engine per se)
If I were storing a vehicle for several months in a damp climate, I would buy some motor "fogger" and use it to prep the engine. You may have to search for this stuff, but it is the way to go; fog it, pull the battery, and let it sit until you are ready to DRIVE it again.
Larry
code5coupe
:seeya
I think you'd have to start and run the motor for about 30 minutes AFTER it reaches normal operating temps to prevent condensation from entering into the picture (even then, I believe the primary victim of this condensation is the exhaust sytem, not the engine per se)
If I were storing a vehicle for several months in a damp climate, I would buy some motor "fogger" and use it to prep the engine. You may have to search for this stuff, but it is the way to go; fog it, pull the battery, and let it sit until you are ready to DRIVE it again.
Larry
code5coupe
:seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 0
From: Montreal Que
Re: Running the engine.. (Steve87VETTE)
If you are going to store your car and start it from time to time then you should make sure everything comes up to operating temps before you turn it off so that you burn off all the collected condensation.
Also move the car (Even a inch or two just not to get a flat spot on tires).
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Newark Ohio
Re: Running the engine.. (Sting1978)
i store the vetts, my caprice, and motorcycle during the winter months (inside). i preform a fresh oil change, top off the gas tanks use Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer, and use Battery Tender maintenance chargers. i've done this for years with various vehicles with no ill effects. as others said, get it fully up to operating temperature just before bedding it down to cook off any moisture. the full gas tank is important too, to prevent moisture/ corrosion.
the cars are in a non-heated garage and the motorcycle is in a heated garage, it doesn't seem to matter.
the cars are in a non-heated garage and the motorcycle is in a heated garage, it doesn't seem to matter.