Time to wake her up.

[richardf]

Hi,

I put my Elan into storage at the beginning of October. It's now time to wake her up again. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should be doing, and in what order? As you can probably guess I an fairly new to this.

When I put her in storage I filled up the petrol tank, disconnected the battery, overinflated the tyres and did not put the handbrake on.

Thanks

Richard

[sparkey]

I wouldn't worry too much if it's been stored somewhere dry. I'd disconnect the coil and crank it over until you get oil pressure before starting it, although it would probably take a bit of cranking anyway to refill the carbs after sitting for 5 months.

The bakes may be a bit sticky to start with but should be OK after a few miles, and if you're unlucky the clutch could have stuck to the flywheel, but that's also pretty unlikely after that length of time.

I'd also let it warm up and check for any leaks before heading out on a run.

Steve.

[1964 S1]

I ditto Steve's suggestions completely and wonder where Peak is.

[Otto]

I just "woke" mine up yesterday. Lovely! I will recommend you to take a slow start, to be shure everything is working....not in citytraffic!... I had my share of oups, because my clutch slavecylinder had leaked fluid. With some interesting gearshiftings i got it back and fixed. Now its perfect... allmost....still have to fix the exhaustfumes in the cabine..allways somethings to fix, but hey!, spring is here!!

[Russ Moore]

Never any problems after winter storage exept trying to get the carbs full of petrol, cranking if ypou have a mechanical fuel pump takes an age . easier way is to remove the covers on the carbs (undo little wing nuts on top ) . and pore h1/4 pint in each . car will start then engine turning will pull petrol through . works for me

[richardcox_lotus]

Only other thing you might notice once it's actually running is any pinking/ smoothness of running. If you've had a full tank for 5 months, the octane rating may be down to about 2 or 3 star by now...........