Starting engine after 3 months

[CTRMint]

Guys,

l’ve not started my Exige V6 for about 3 months, it’s been pushed to one side of my garage whilst I’m building a 7.  I’m starting to think I should start it.  Any advise on prep before starting other than checking levels?  Can you easily crank the engine for oil pressure without it firing?

thanks

Mark

ps battery should be good due to a conditioner

[GFWilliams]

It’s a Toyota engine, just fire it up!

[RedViper]

1 hour ago, GFWilliams said:

It’s a Toyota engine, just fire it up!

What he said👆

[CTRMint]

Guys,

I'm not saying you're wrong, but really, is there nothing I could do to help prevent wear?

[silverfrost]

 Engines these days are well designed to last without been started for a while,  Years ago cars like the esprit used to suffer from cheap aftrermarket  engine oil filters been used  which had no return valve fitted, so all the oil would pour out of the filter when the then engine was not running,  

Engines like the Toyota engine and pretty much all modern engines etc have been designed to keep oil in the top end also,  i.e the clyinder head,  the cams will have a covering still from last time your engine ran, and plety of oil will be sitting in the head still around the hydrolic lifters,  cylinders will all still have a smear of oil as they always do. 

Check the oil level, turn the key and let it run.  you will be fine.    3 months of non running is nothing, honestly. 

[CTRMint]

I called my Lotus dealer and have to say they reflect your comments, although I'm looking to pull the fuel pump fuse just to be doubly sure.

[CTRMint]

She's started fine.  I pulled the fuel pump relay, cranked it over for ~5secs, put the fuel pump relay back and she started immediately.  On first start the car did throw an EML, so I checked that with my OBDII reader, the code was P0628 Fuel Pump Control Circuit low.  I figure that was due to the relay, I therefore cleared it and restarted the car, no EML.  She's run up to temp nicely and sounds fine.  Now just need spring or at least for the roads to clear of salt etc.

[Bassman]

Had the AA out this morning to start mine after sitting outside for 6 weeks with a flat battery - needed a new battery but fired up fine and ran sweetly - it's now at Bell & Colvill for some pretrack TLC and body treatment. Roll on 3rd March and Anglesey.....

[Kristof Thys]

On 04/02/2019 at 17:11, CTRMint said:

She's started fine.  I pulled the fuel pump relay, cranked it over for ~5secs, put the fuel pump relay back and she started immediately.  On first start the car did throw an EML, so I checked that with my OBDII reader, the code was P0628 Fuel Pump Control Circuit low.  I figure that was due to the relay, I therefore cleared it and restarted the car, no EML.  She's run up to temp nicely and sounds fine.  Now just need spring or at least for the roads to clear of salt etc.

This is my startup procedure after winter as well.  Gives me the peace of mind on the oil pressure.  Indeed, throws a code, but that's easily remedied.

[Escape]

On 04/02/2019 at 13:15, CTRMint said:

Guys,

I'm not saying you're wrong, but really, is there nothing I could do to help prevent wear?

I'd say the best thing to prevent wear is not start and idle the car if you're not driving it... 3 months shouldn't be a problem anyway, a lot of classics/ second cars are unused for longer periods during winter etc. Only thing I'd worry about, with a modern car, is the battery draining from all the electronics.

Filip

[Dan.G]

If it helps, started mine after two months today, started and drove like a dream.