Winter lay-up

[Robbie693]

Just pondering the best procedure for protecting an engine if it were laid up over winter.

I understand that it should be with fresh oil so that should be changed but once done should I run the engine to let it circulate, or just fill and leave? Running it by just idling is unlikely to get it hot enough to burn off crankcase moisture so I've heard and driving it isn't an option at the moment. But then just filling it and leaving would presumably leave the old dirty oil on the bearing surfaces/seals etc and be the same as not changing the oil at all?

Opinions please?

Robbie

[smo17003]

Give "fogging oil" a search on Google/YouTube

Mike

[StressCraxx]

Gas tank should be full to prevent corrosion and oxidation, plus add a stabilizer.

Run the engine for a few minutes after the oil change. The tiny amount of moisture will quickly be absorbed by the detergent/dispersant additives in the oil. Fogging oil is good to coat the intake, combustion chambers and upper cylinder walls. The fogging oils have a corrosion inhibitor. At idle, spray the fogging oil until the engine dies. Switch off the ignition. Suggest removing the battery from the car and putting it on a tender.

Pray for Spring.

[Andy8421]

Give "fogging oil" a search on Google/YouTube

Mike

Never thought about fogging oil for a car. Its very common in the marine world where the boat gets winterised and the environment is generally wet. Moist air gets into the engine and into the cylinders that have open valves corroding the valves and cylinder walls. On engines with water injection cooling of the exhaust, there is always water hanging around in the exhaust pipes and damp air in the exhaust manifold.

We don't have that problem on the Elan, but it seems like a good idea to protect the engine from an extended period of no use.

A float charger for the battery is also good idea, there are specific 'maintenance' chargers for this purpose. Don't just use any old charger you found in the back of the garage.

Andy.

[elanner]

Completely loosen off the fan belt. Turn the water pump by hand every few weeks so that the seal doesn't get stuck.

I also pump the clutch and brakes to keep them moving.

Nick

[Robbie693]

Thanks everyone,

Great tips - very helpful

Cheers

Robbie

[RichardHawkins]

Andy,

Are you saying that the old charger I found in my dad’s garage after he died could damage my new battery?

Richard Hawkins