Winter storage and RMS leak

[z12358]

As BoxsterQc hinted in the RMS poll thread, does winter storage increase the chances for future RMS leaks?

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by z12358

As BoxsterQc hinted in the RMS poll thread, does winter storage increase the chances for future RMS leaks?

Hi,

Absolutely not! Another Urban Myth. The RMS experiences practically no stresses when the engine isn't running. It's minute contraction in the cold matches that of the surrounding block and it expands just the same once the weather warms.

As with any stored car, it's always a good idea to hand-crank the engine a couple of spins when reawakening it to ensure that nothing has seized and this will loosen the seal against the crankshaft and prevent tearing on initial startup.

My '99 had it's RMS fail at 4k mi. before it went in for the first of 7 Winter Storages and to date (22k mi. later), it's still bone dry... KOW!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[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.

[MNBoxster]

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.

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