Shouldn't be any problems starting the car after sitting for that time - just don't rev the engine up right away.
First start-up after storage
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 140
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From: Upstate NY
First start-up after storage
I am going to start my car for the first time in 4 months tomorrow and am concerned that the first start will be very rough on the engine internals. It's my thinking that the oil has filtered down over the long winter and settled in the oil pan instead of protecting the vital engine parts during the start.
Stupid question?? Would it help to pour a small amount of oil in before I start?
Stupid question?? Would it help to pour a small amount of oil in before I start?
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 168
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From: Brighton Michigan
Fired my '01, A4, 49,000 miles, coupe up today after 4 months of unheated garage storage. (Covered and on a battery tender.) Started on the first crank with no issues. Normal idle, oil pressure fine in less than 5 seconds. (35psi +) Oil came up to temp as normal and ran fine. All other temps (water, trans) normal within 10 minutes. Only lost 2 psi in the tires over the winter. Changed all the fluids before I put it away last fall, including oil, coolant, brake, trans etc. Full tank of gas with Stabil added.
Long story, short, with outside temp at 60 degrees and no high revs at start up you should be OK.
Long story, short, with outside temp at 60 degrees and no high revs at start up you should be OK.
Last edited by brightonvette; Mar 16, 2010 at 10:20 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 2
From: Troy MI
I am another Michigan man that finally had weather that allowed the first start up - and drive 
- in 4 months. Same experience - fired right up and oil pressure followed shortly thereafter.
The amount of engine wear is in consequential in the whole scheme of things - just start it up and allow the car to come up to temp before getting on it.
If you wanted to be **** about it just rig up an electric oil pump and pump away before starting - of course if that was needed the manufacturer would include it.
- in 4 months. Same experience - fired right up and oil pressure followed shortly thereafter.The amount of engine wear is in consequential in the whole scheme of things - just start it up and allow the car to come up to temp before getting on it.
If you wanted to be **** about it just rig up an electric oil pump and pump away before starting - of course if that was needed the manufacturer would include it.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Here's a little trick I use for the first start up each spring that I learned on this forum:
Hold the gas pedal to the floor, while cranking the engine with the starter for about 5 to 10 seconds. The engine WILL NOT start, but the oil pressure to the engine internals will build up.
Then release the gas pedal, and start the engine as normal.
Hold the gas pedal to the floor, while cranking the engine with the starter for about 5 to 10 seconds. The engine WILL NOT start, but the oil pressure to the engine internals will build up.
Then release the gas pedal, and start the engine as normal.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
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Here's a little trick I use for the first start up each spring that I learned on this forum:
Hold the gas pedal to the floor, while cranking the engine with the starter for about 5 to 10 seconds. The engine WILL NOT start, but the oil pressure to the engine internals will build up.
Then release the gas pedal, and start the engine as normal.
Hold the gas pedal to the floor, while cranking the engine with the starter for about 5 to 10 seconds. The engine WILL NOT start, but the oil pressure to the engine internals will build up.
Then release the gas pedal, and start the engine as normal.
Yes, the car should not start with a floored pedal but you never know. I personally am never going to take a chance again. I will continue starting my vette normally after winter storage.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,285
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From: Fort St John B.C
Here's a little trick I use for the first start up each spring that I learned on this forum:
Hold the gas pedal to the floor, while cranking the engine with the starter for about 5 to 10 seconds. The engine WILL NOT start, but the oil pressure to the engine internals will build up.
Then release the gas pedal, and start the engine as normal.
Hold the gas pedal to the floor, while cranking the engine with the starter for about 5 to 10 seconds. The engine WILL NOT start, but the oil pressure to the engine internals will build up.
Then release the gas pedal, and start the engine as normal.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
While cranking at W.O.T., the fuel injectors are deliberately kept off. No fuel is supplied to the cylinders in that mode.
