Quote:
Originally Posted by z12358
Jim, no argument here. Just a serious concern before I decide which is better: to hibernate the car 100% for the winter or drive it once-twice a month just to get its juices flowing.
If I "put it to sleep", how much better do you think will be a heated (temp controlled) vs a cold garage? If the advantage is significant I may want to spring for a heated storage for extra $/mth.
I can't help thinking that all these fitted engine parts must have varying temperature expansion coefficients, so they must contract/expand at different rates as the temp fluctuates. Does the RMS really have the same coefficient as the metal parts around it?
Thx much, as always.
Z.
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Hi,
100% Hibernation is the best way to go. Starting/running it once a month has two disadvantages.
First, each time you start it you'll be starting it cold. The metal-to-metal contact between moving parts will increase wear until the oil gets warm and properly flowing. This kind of starting can tear piston rings and valve seats.
Second, moisture is a combustion by-product and you'll be adding moisture to the oil and exhaust system which will then condense and create acids which will then pit and corrode the internals lessening their lifespan.
If you allow the engine to warm above 45°F before initial spring start-up, you'll eliminate all of this.
So far as expansion coefficients, they do differ on a micro-scale (but most of the internals are alloy), but the differences are so slight as to be negligable and well inside the tolerances the engine was built to...
Happy Motoring!... Jim'99