Pre-Spring Start Procedure?
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Joined: Dec 2009
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Pre-Spring Start Procedure?
Anyone do anything special before turning the key after winter storage?
I was thinking of somehow priming the oiling system....pull a fuel pump relay and crank it for a minute?
Anything else we should consider doing?
I was thinking of somehow priming the oiling system....pull a fuel pump relay and crank it for a minute?
Anything else we should consider doing?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Allentown PA & Elk Twp NJ HPDE Addict
There is a technique to turn the engine over without firing it. Hold the throttle all the way down and turn the key. Engine will turn over but will not fire. I usually do that for a count of 3 to 5. Then take your foot off the throttle and start is as you normally would. Whether this is effective, I'm not really sure but I know a number of people who do it and I don't think it will hurt.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Rockledge FL
I would think that since the most damage is done at start up, you would want it to fire as soon as possible to get the oil pressure up. Just spinning the motor with the starter I dont think would cause enough oil pressure to lube anything so it would be dry metal on dry metal for a longer period.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
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There is a technique to turn the engine over without firing it. Hold the throttle all the way down and turn the key. Engine will turn over but will not fire. I usually do that for a count of 3 to 5. Then take your foot off the throttle and start is as you normally would. Whether this is effective, I'm not really sure but I know a number of people who do it and I don't think it will hurt.
As others have stated and as I did yesterday for the first time after winter storage, simply turn the key and listen to that beautiful V8 coming to life. Let it idle for a couple of minutes and go for a drive, it's almost therapeutic.
Last edited by Cybermind; Mar 18, 2011 at 06:22 AM.
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After that idle for a minute, then drive slowly. Check tire pressures/fluids before you start. 
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My 02 has also been in the garage for 5 months and is coming out today but I went out and started it up and let it run for 10 minutes every weekend during the winter. Will be nice to rotate the tires and get some driving in this afternoon.
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Started her up yesterday afternoon. Let her run, checked gauges, and tire pressure. Backed her out, shut her off and locked her up. This morning I started her up, backed out and drove to work. What a wonderful drive it was. Can't wait to drive home. Taking the long scenic route.
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From: Dracut MA
Too excited
It's 70 degrees today here in MA and I just HAD to take the Vette to work - the first ride since storage. I woke up early so I could take off the cover, disconnect the tender, check the oil, clutch, and brake fluids. She started right up and I drove her very slow for the first few miles without the radio so I could listen for any odd sounds. Yes, the sound of that awesome LS1 again! It wasn't until I got on the highway and got a high tire pressure DIC msg that I realized that in my excitement I forgot to adjust my tire pressure before pulling out of the garage (I store the car with the tires loaded to max pressure). What an awesome ride into work today. This is the soonest I've ever taken her out of storage.
In a few weeks, when the weather becomes more consistent around here, I'll need to make an appointment at the dealer to get my windshield replaced (only OEM for my baby). Got nailed by a stone on the passenger side just before I put her away last year.:-(
For those in the northeast - ENJOY THE DAY!
-Mike
In a few weeks, when the weather becomes more consistent around here, I'll need to make an appointment at the dealer to get my windshield replaced (only OEM for my baby). Got nailed by a stone on the passenger side just before I put her away last year.:-(
For those in the northeast - ENJOY THE DAY!
-Mike
Last edited by mmichel; Mar 18, 2011 at 12:22 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Rockledge FL
Good god, I love being here in FL. This weather is awesome. 50s at night, mid 70s in the day for 2 months now. It did drop down to 30 for a few days back in Jan but that was supposedly a fluke.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Allentown PA & Elk Twp NJ HPDE Addict
I would think that since the most damage is done at start up, you would want it to fire as soon as possible to get the oil pressure up. Just spinning the motor with the starter I dont think would cause enough oil pressure to lube anything so it would be dry metal on dry metal for a longer period.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Kingsville Ontario Canada
Check all the fluid levels, Tire pressures, Un-hook the battery tender, check under the car to make sure there is nothing there to run over,
Do a little sunshine dance, sit down fasten you seat belt, turn the Key & SMILE.
Gotta Love it, Vette driving season is here again.
I've had mine out a couple of times this week, Man it was a long painfull winter.
Those of us that live in areas that receive Snowy cold winters, sure do appreciate & miss how fantastic these Vettes are when we can finally get out and drive them again.
Do a little sunshine dance, sit down fasten you seat belt, turn the Key & SMILE.
Gotta Love it, Vette driving season is here again.
I've had mine out a couple of times this week, Man it was a long painfull winter.
Those of us that live in areas that receive Snowy cold winters, sure do appreciate & miss how fantastic these Vettes are when we can finally get out and drive them again.
Last edited by OBSESHON Mark; Mar 18, 2011 at 03:37 PM.