Advice needed - engine startup?

[BlueSE3P]

Hi guys, have another (hopefully non-too-noobish) question for the BITOGers on here.

Due to the nature of my job, my car would need to be parked up for some time (say 3 - 4 months). I've followed BITOG recommendations with regards to storage since late 2010, and have had no issues over the last two-three "storage" periods.

I normally do the following:

- Dedicated garage storage area (better equipped than my house - seriously). Completely sealed, no rodents, esposure to weather or whatnot
- Over inflate tyres slightly + cardboard padding underneath each
- Full Tank of Fresh Gas + Fuel Stabilizer
- Change oil and filter
- Battery tender hooked up to battery (which is incidentally, brand new) for obvious reasons
- -other m'tce items that I can't recall at the moment.


Now here's the deal, I did the following on 5 days ago, in preparation for yet another "storage" stint. However, due to some unforseen circumstances, I have to pull said car out of the storage area temporarily to do some emergency fixes to the storage area before replacing the car and heading out.

Will me moving the car out of the garage (i.e. starting it up) require me to change the oil again before storage?



Cliff's notes: Car prepared for storage, fresh oil + filter with 0 miles put in 5 days ago, have to move it out of storage for about an hour or two. Should I replace oil again before putting back in storage and heading off to site?

 

[Corvette Owner]

Nope, no need to.

 

[SatinSilver]

Originally Posted By: BlueSE3P
Will me moving the car out of the garage (i.e. starting it up) require me to change the oil again before storage?


NO. If the oil had a few thousand miles in it I'd say yes. Or maybe as little as 500. But your fine.

 

[BlueSE3P]

Thanks guys, now I can work worry free!

Yep, the oil + filter literally have zero mileage on them .

 

[Bandito440]

Agreed. The oil is fine.

What is the current theory on putting a car on jacks? I used to do that when I parked one for a while to keep the tires from getting flat spots.

 

[BlueSE3P]

Thanks for the advice.

Not sure about the jacks! Never tried it. I have found that the bumping up tyre pressure + cardboard does help mitigate against flat spotting.

I've also found that certain tyres seem to flatspot more easily than others (an old set of Hankook Ventus V4's spotted alot easier and more noticeably than another brand/model I had on the same vehicle).

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: Bandito440
Agreed. The oil is fine.

What is the current theory on putting a car on jacks? I used to do that when I parked one for a while to keep the tires from getting flat spots.


No car you like should ever be on jack stands with the suspension hanging! It will RUIN the control arm bushings, etc. Never a good idea except for very short periods.

And beg your pardon, but modern tires simply do not flat spot anymore. Might have a shake for a mile or two but that's it. Just pump them up to max sidewall pressure.

 

[Bandito440]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Originally Posted By: Bandito440
Agreed. The oil is fine.

What is the current theory on putting a car on jacks? I used to do that when I parked one for a while to keep the tires from getting flat spots.


No car you like should ever be on jack stands with the suspension hanging! It will RUIN the control arm bushings, etc. Never a good idea except for very short periods.

And beg your pardon, but modern tires simply do not flat spot anymore. Might have a shake for a mile or two but that's it. Just pump them up to max sidewall pressure.


I had put jack stands under the axles of my old truck when I was away. The suspension remained loaded, but the tires were off the ground. It made sense to me and worked well.

I really don't know about modern tires not getting flat spots. It's been a while since I tried this, so that may be. I do know that my motorcycle was prone to flat spots with new tires when stored. I suppose that could be specific to motorcycle tires though.

 

[mechtech2]

Sounds like a good plan, but forget about the cardboard under the tires.

 

[BlueSE3P]

No problem, can ditch the cardboard if need be.

I forgot to clarify something - my reason for asking was because the engine is a rotary (renesis).

It's a note worthy point because Mazda recommends that on startup, the engine should be allowed to idle for a bit (a few minutes) to minimise the risk of flooding.

So I'd have to startup, let idle for a few min, then switch off. Do work in storage area, then move back, idle, switch off.

My worry was any condensation buildup in the oil during that time (I live in a hot climate btw). A drive would be out of the question since (just my luck) road works are going on in the area.

Bad ju ju to drive on y0.

 

[donnyj08]

if your really worried about it, just put it in neutral and push out of the garage while you work, and push it back in. that is if that is possible.

 

[BlueSE3P]

That's a negatory, driveway out of the garage itself is on a hill (garage is flat).

But based on the responses, I don't think I'll bother with the change. I was just adding some more detail in case anyone was curious (didn't specify engine type etc etc - and I know members like details in these parts).

 

[mechtech2]

Stuff a rag in the intake and exhaust.
All sorts of critters can get in there and make nests.
No kidding.
And when you Do go to start it up, open the hood first and check for vermin, cats, and snakes.
Once again, I'm not kidding.

 

[ABerns]

Goodness no, don't change the oil. Depending on the oil, even with a few thousand miles on it, I wouldn't change it for storage ...