Car is in semi-storage, how often oil change ?

[fatbob]

My beloved monaro is sitting idle at my fathers while I working overseas.
And I not getting back to Australia right now as much as I want.
He not taking it out too much at the moment - so I after some expert advice on this.

How often should it be turned over, for how long ?

How often oil changed, given its not running every week ( in fact, he didn't run it for 3 months I just found out - thought he was running it every second weekend for about 50km ).

Also what other oils etc... should be looked at changing on it, if it sitting idle for long periods of time.

Some advice needed please. Car runs like it brand new and its supercharged with a 112.

[Speedy Gonzales]

I would take out the battery and store it in a dry cool place, dont forget the radio pin, I usually leave it on low fuel so that when it requires restart, I get a fresh batch to put in.

Drain the oil when hot prior to storage, refill with new oil, run it up to temp, power off everything and on restart months later has turned over 1st go every time.

[zorro]

my old boy is putting his aston in storage for 12months and was advised by the dealer to buy a battery conditioner for it. Apparently it cycles charge the same as you would being a daily driver so no need to remove it and will always be charged when needed.

If the Monaro isnt going to be started for extended periods basically on first run do the same as you would a motor thats just been rebuilt. Pull the plugs and turn over to get oil pressure up. Stick a jerry of fresh fuel in and go for a drive.

Oil isnt going to go off laying dormant, it would however be advisable to change the oil, filter and fuel filter when you are ready to put it on the road again.

[fatbob]

thanks for input - will pass on to my father

[SS Enforcer]

Or you could just ask a few forum members to take it for a spin for you once a week while there at it they will check the air, oil and water I am sure. :goodjob:

cheers

[macca33]

The longest mine sat in the shed was 5 1/2 months and only needed a jumpstart when I got back, due to the battery going flat. It started first go and ran well from then on. I, too, left it with low fuel, then refilled it and changed the oil / filter on the next service, which for me is every 5000k's anyway.

When I stored it, it was in the garage and I didn't change oils, or anything - unless it is going into really long storage, why bother?

cheers

[seedyrom]

I've got an LS1 dismantled in the garage.

When I picked it up, the seller said to give it a spray with oil (wd40), if I wasn't going to do anything with it right away., as he'd hate to see it rot/oxidize away.

It's been over a year, I haven't touched it, and there's no sign of discolouration

These engines aren't cast iron dinosaurs (like the ricers would have you believe).

Do nothing, then treat her mean when you get back :)

[fatbob]

k - thanks for info all - I feel better now its not running that often - the poor baby spent more time off the road than on since I got it ( last 5 years now mostly working overseas - but this time round likely to be almost a year before I get back home ) - then again, 50k km in 5 years, not too bad really, nice and low

[Mr66]

Might be an idea to keep over 1/2 a tank of fuel in it.
I had 2 fuel pumps "die" when sitting extended time with low fuel.
Presuming some form of corrosion stopped fuel pump.
Unbelievable, 2 cars sitting side by side in garage, 6months between, (XR6 and Monaro)
Good Luck

[Blown 454 AWD]

I would .....


Flush and change engine oil and filter prior to storage.

Every 3 months I would drive on the freeway on a fine day for 1 hour, 30 minutes there and 30 minutes back.

The battery if in good nick will handle 3 months, battery revive / conditioner only removes sulphation however, would still assist in making battery last longer, the hours run will fully recharge the battery.

The hours run will also evaporate any condensation build up over the 3 months throughout the vehicles components.

If you don't drive the vehicle then you risk moisture marks on gearbox, diff and wheel bearings which will speed up bearing failure dramatically.

The above should keep the vehicle in drivable condition at any time.

Flush and change the engine oil every 2 years whilst carrying out the above.

Cheers

Steve




Mainlube Superior Maintenance Lubricants Pty Ltd
Mainlube 175 Synthetic Race Oil SAE 10w60 (engine)
Mainlube 154 Synthetic Solid Boundary E P Gear Oil SAE 75w90 (gearbox)
Mainlube 154 Synthetic Solid Boundary E P Gear Oil SAE 75w140 (diff)

www.Mainlube.com.au

[mustanger]

Just one more tip for longer storage.

I would leave it with a full tank of fuel , so that condensation in the fuel tank is kept to a minimum.

Nothing worse than leaving it with barely no fuel and letting moisture in the tank.

[seldo]

Just one more tip for longer storage.

I would leave it with a full tank of fuel , so that condensation in the fuel tank is kept to a minimum.

Nothing worse than leaving it with barely no fuel and letting moisture in the tank.Good point, but probably not so important these days with plastic tanks vs steel ones. However, as Mainlube's Steve has pointed out, it is important to drain and re-fill oils before storage. The reason this is important is that used oils contains acids which slowly eat into the contact surfaces if left for a long time.
In times gone past we used to see consistent camshaft problems with new cars that had sat in storage for a long time, particularly those that had had lots of short term running - start, move 30 metres, sit for weeks and then same again... The acids used to corrode the cam-lobe/lifter contact points and eat into the hard face causing premature failure.
Also, If I leave my car for a while I also have a trickle charger connected to the battery through a timer so that it just gives it a little tickle-up for 30 mins a day - stops sulphation of the battery and extends battery life. :)

[zorro]

I forgot to add to my above post, the A/C needs to be run aswell for at least 15-20mins when you are running the car. If left for periods though you will find the oil will eat the seals and you will need a service. Best checked by a AC mech when you are getting it back on the road.

[Desertws6]

I use a float charger by Battery Tender.
http://www.batterytender.com/

I have 2 like this:
http://batterytender.com/default.php?cPath=11_2&osCsid=c9640f9fdc35f43b98a39bbb861769b3

And a waterproof one like this:
http://batterytender.com/default.php?cPath=11_12&osCsid=c9640f9fdc35f43b98a39bbb861769b3

I keep 2 cars that are not daily drivers plugged in all the time with a quick disconnect that comes with the charger. The waterproof one is connected to the M/C. It sits on the garage floor that sometimes gets wet.

Cheers,
Steve

[fatbob]

trickle battery
change oil before storage ( too late but will get done now )
change filter
give it a good long freeway ( highway as car at batemans ) run every few months
run the aircon when on the run
battery conditioner prolong battery life

and leave some fuel in the tank ---- this is only one I a little confused on.
If I don't I risk fuel pump and oxidisation damage maybe ? however I thought if I did that the petrol would go off ? which way to go, fuel or no fuel ? and how much ?

great advice here for me by the way - much thanks everyone

steve - really appreciated your advice - I'll be using mainlube to do a big oil change when I return for sure in appreciation

[Mr66]

Leave the tank at least 1/2 full, maybe more, cheap insurance.
Old fuel will start ok when needed, mine was at least 4.5yrs old - was good enough to run, wouldnt drive to Melbourne with it though...

[Speedy Gonzales]

For testing, I have 500mL of 98 RON in a clear container that Ive stored for over 2 years and it still looks the same as the day I filled it, I wouldnt hesitate in using it, I keep it for collections sake.

I keep a minimum amount in the tank so that the amount of fuel that ages is not wasted, I top up from a container where I can see the fuel going in is fresh and clean, hasnt failed me yet.

Also pump the tyres extra high to max psi as rated on the tyre sidewall and do the aircon test as well prior storage and after. If its garaged all should be well, if its in the open, pray.