Start or Not during storage
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 6,282
Likes: 113
From: Texas
Can this be proved to be beneficial? I can't say and doubt it, but I do it on my bikes. If this flooring the accelerator does prevent ignition (I doubt it does), then why not do it? I can't see it hurting either. The oil does pump at those slower RPM's of the starter.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 18,099
Likes: 1,597
This practice has been a belief in bikes for years. After an oil change, a conscientious owner will put the kill switch in kill (no ignition) and run the starter for maybe 5-10 seconds. This rotates the engine much slower than if it were idling and thus, the theory goes, the oil gets to the needed places while the engine parts are moving too slowly to incur any damage.
Can this be proved to be beneficial? I can't say and doubt it, but I do it on my bikes. If this flooring the accelerator does prevent ignition (I doubt it does), then why not do it? I can't see it hurting either. The oil does pump at those slower RPM's of the starter.
Can this be proved to be beneficial? I can't say and doubt it, but I do it on my bikes. If this flooring the accelerator does prevent ignition (I doubt it does), then why not do it? I can't see it hurting either. The oil does pump at those slower RPM's of the starter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 6,282
Likes: 113
From: Texas
Good to know. Back to the oil change business, even on bikes it's a bit silly to do the starter rotations, I know. My guess is that the engine is no more dry after an oil change than after sitting for an evening.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 144
From: on Barnegat Bay Joisey
If the engine is turning over without firing the fuel mixture the only bearing loads is from compression and drag which is minimal.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,882
Likes: 141
From: Toronto Ontario
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,979
Likes: 743
From: PA
Here's the obvious answer. The ones who start it think they're right. The ones who don't, think that they are right.
What's right for you? You figure it out and do what YOU think is best. Because you're never going to get a definitive answer.
Period.
What's right for you? You figure it out and do what YOU think is best. Because you're never going to get a definitive answer.
Period.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 14
From: omaha nebraska
Here's an interesting read and it suggests starting once a month. From GM power train engineer.
Engine Start
Last but not least: "Should I start my Corvette periodically, or leave it alone until it's ready to come out of storage?" This is definitely the most commonly asked question when it comes to automotive storage and there seems to be two opposing sides. One side feels that you should start your car at least once per month and let it run for a good 20 minutes plus until the cooling fans kick in. The other side feels that you should leave the car alone until it's time to remove it from storage. Again, we asked David Scott at GM. "It is always best to start your vehicle once a month if possible." When this is not practical, David offers the following guidelines: - See more at: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....etixWxal.dpuf
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...e/storage.html
Engine Start
Last but not least: "Should I start my Corvette periodically, or leave it alone until it's ready to come out of storage?" This is definitely the most commonly asked question when it comes to automotive storage and there seems to be two opposing sides. One side feels that you should start your car at least once per month and let it run for a good 20 minutes plus until the cooling fans kick in. The other side feels that you should leave the car alone until it's time to remove it from storage. Again, we asked David Scott at GM. "It is always best to start your vehicle once a month if possible." When this is not practical, David offers the following guidelines: - See more at: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....etixWxal.dpuf
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...e/storage.html
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 15
From: Rocky Mountains Colorado
I have been storing my 06 Vert every winter from November through April. I hook up a battery tender and install the cover. The Vette remains undercover often times until May when the snow and roads are generally clear. However, last year in early May we had over 3' of snow in a single spring storm. When I remove the car cover I start the Vette and I'm ready for the new season. Usually I reserve the month of April for upgrades. None planned for this year so when I remove the cover I will probably start the Vette and take it for a drive.
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
From: Bell Florida
Some long time experience with boat motors in Florida. (Vette can be used all year, lucky for us!). I run my boat motor every 2 weeks for just a few minutes. I know oil does not reach full temp. It's a 5.7L chevy, 15 years old now. Never had any problems. No sign of moisture in the oil or under the valve covers. Looks like new in there. My theory is to keep the cylinders somewhat oiled without removing the plugs and putting in oil.
Ran a ford 302 in a boat for 27 years without any problems using the 2 week run.
Do what makes you feel good about your car. That counts for a lot.....
Ran a ford 302 in a boat for 27 years without any problems using the 2 week run.
Do what makes you feel good about your car. That counts for a lot.....
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 18,099
Likes: 1,597
I also read this article and start mine a couple times a month and back it out. I try not to park in the exact same spot in the garage to help stop flat spotting. I will probably increase tire pressure to 38psi also but with todays tires flat spotting is not a real problem. I start it when its above 30 .
FWIW.....The wife and I both work a couple of miles from home, takes us about five minutes to go to and from . For thirty years we have both driven our daily drivers back and forth in sub zero temps, the vehicles never get a chance to warm up. This has never hurt a thing over the years so I figure starting the Vette once and letting it run for a half hour in winter won't hurt a thing.
Last edited by R&L's C6; Jan 11, 2015 at 08:30 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 86
From: DALLAS/FT WORTH TEXAS
Battery Tender and no start! I had shoulder surgery a little over a year ago. I feel your pain man. That's a tough deal. Hang in there and be religious about your physical therapy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,391
Likes: 1,454
From: South Dakota
I have read arguments both ways. I store mine for 2.5 - 3 months during the winter, along with my Harley for the same period of time. I never start mine, and have never had a problem. I do change the oil/filer just before putting it away. I don't see any particular benefit from starting it periodically, but if it makes you feel better...
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 289
Likes: 13
From: San Jose CA
Here's an interesting read and it suggests starting once a month. From GM power train engineer.
Engine Start
Last but not least: "Should I start my Corvette periodically, or leave it alone until it's ready to come out of storage?" This is definitely the most commonly asked question when it comes to automotive storage and there seems to be two opposing sides. One side feels that you should start your car at least once per month and let it run for a good 20 minutes plus until the cooling fans kick in. The other side feels that you should leave the car alone until it's time to remove it from storage. Again, we asked David Scott at GM. "It is always best to start your vehicle once a month if possible." When this is not practical, David offers the following guidelines: - See more at: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....etixWxal.dpuf
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...e/storage.html
Engine Start
Last but not least: "Should I start my Corvette periodically, or leave it alone until it's ready to come out of storage?" This is definitely the most commonly asked question when it comes to automotive storage and there seems to be two opposing sides. One side feels that you should start your car at least once per month and let it run for a good 20 minutes plus until the cooling fans kick in. The other side feels that you should leave the car alone until it's time to remove it from storage. Again, we asked David Scott at GM. "It is always best to start your vehicle once a month if possible." When this is not practical, David offers the following guidelines: - See more at: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....etixWxal.dpuf
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...e/storage.html