Spring start-up after winter storage??? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Lil bastard · 03-12-2010, 06:58 AM

Of course, those simply starting the car up are free to do what they wish, and for most, there won't be any negative repercussions.

But, I still recommend (and I do) making sure the drivetrain isn't siezed because it's not a difficult procedure and good insurance. Think about it, most headgasket failures are progressive, with many allowing coolant into a cylinder producing white smoke/steam. If you have such a small leak, over the months-long storage, the coolant seeps into a cylinder causing the rings to bind to the cylinder wall. A high-torque startup on the starter motor can tear the rings turning a headgasket replacement into a rebuild. Imho, turning the engine as I describe is a good way to avoid this because you never really know if any siezure has taken place until it's too late to do anything about it.

But, I relayed this specifically in response to the author's queery: " Are there any special procedures to do before start-up? "

Cheers!

boxsternut · 03-24-2010, 08:15 AM

Carguy...glad to see you're enjoying the ride again. Just back from the cruise, Florida was cool this year, and getting ready to 'wake-up'. Looks like snow possible again this weekend, so plan to wait until first weekend in April...can't wait!!! Still agree with Lil Bastard for the start-up procedure...will try and report back soon.

Bobiam · 03-28-2010, 07:06 AM

But ignorance was so convenient!!!!!!! You guys gave me lotsa new stuff to worry about in oder to get my car back on the road. Thanks a bunch! Maybe I'll just leave it in mothballs indefinitely.

Just joking......thanks for the wisdom.

cas951 · 03-28-2010, 08:09 AM

I guess I should consider myself lucky since the weather where I live allows me to drive all year long.

When you store your cars during cold weather do everyone just let it sit that long without starting it up periodically?

I have a garage queen which I rarely drive. Maybe 1k a year if I even reach that. I do make it a point to start it up at least once a week just to keep it lubricted and have a battery tender hooked up.

boxsternut · 03-30-2010, 04:43 PM

Just got back from my first drive since last November. What a great day here in Toronto...12Celsius (about 50F) and sunny! Unplugged the trickle charger, readjusted the tire pressure, rolled the car forward in fifth gear for 10 feet, fired her up with no problems and had a great drive for about 45 minutes. Took it easy for awhile, then had a little fun!!! What a great feeling again. Drove past 5 OPP (Provincial Police) in the first half hour...lucky on all of them! Thanks for all the tips on storage and restarting...this is a great forum. Happy driving boys!!!!!!!

SStiebers · 03-30-2010, 07:40 PM

Oh yea, it's time. I have it stored in a 50 degree garage since Nov 30th. Start it up once a week and drive it around the block every two. Always put it back in a little different place. So, insurance starts on Thursday, have done everything i want to it (well at least for this week) and out it comes then. Hope it is ok, but once i'm out i won't care. Probably like the rest of you cold weather people, i can't wait!

Jaak · 03-31-2010, 10:54 AM

A week ago took off the car cover, opened the trunk (did not lock it), connected the battery, turned the key and waited 2 minutes before firing it up. Reset the tire pressure and drove to the closest Shell station (easy drive) and gassed up. I drove it easy for at least 200 KM before I drove it a bit harder. I still have to keep her revs below 5,500 RPM for the next 500 KMs as the motor has been rebuilt. The driving is sure fun!!!

McDuff · 03-24-2013, 03:20 PM

I have been reading the forum, good information regarding taking my Boxter out of storage for the first time, (just bought it last fall). My problem is that mine is a tip tronic, not a standard 6 speed.... so i cannot put it in fifth gear as you can, and roll it to make sure it is not froze up. Any suggestions guys? I don't want to screw this up being my first spring start up.

would appreciate your input.

Mc Duff

Quote:

Originally Posted by cas951

I guess I should consider myself lucky since the weather where I live allows me to drive all year long.

When you store your cars during cold weather do everyone just let it sit that long without starting it up periodically?

I have a garage queen which I rarely drive. Maybe 1k a year if I even reach that. I do make it a point to start it up at least once a week just to keep it lubricted and have a battery tender hooked up.