Engine lubrication for stored vehicles

[mk083]

Hello everyone. I have a few questions regarding what I should do to ensure that my vehicle is being stored properly. It is pretty much a garage queen that gets taken out on nice days only, but due to travel for work and other constraints I only drive it about once every 4 weeks. When I do start it up and drive it the car is taken on at least 30+ mile trips, and I never start it up and let it idle then shut off. I have heard that causes more harm than good with condensation buildup. When the car is not being driven it is sitting on a Battery Tender.

What I am concerned about is that due to it sitting this long and being undriven, is this causing any harm to the engine seals and upper half of the engine? By sitting this long it almost seems that the oil has probably back into the pan, and could be causing increase wear at initial startup.

I know that many people store their cars for months at a time during the winter, but is there a proper procedure for doing this before starting up the engine again? I know with older vehicles with a distributor you could prime the engine by running a drill. With modern igniton system vehicles that doesn't quite work. Is there a special procedure for priming newer vehicles, such as mine, before startup? Thanks for the help in advance

 

[gfh77665]

I travel distances only in my 2006 Honda Odyssey. It sits for 3-4 weeks, then I drive it 200+ miles in a day. This van will last essentially forever. Why? Only one cold start/month. I don't need a battery tender, or any special oil (although I do use Pennzoil Platinum or Pennzoil Ultra).

The 4 weeks or so is not nearly enough time for the engine to really "dry out". You definitely have an oil film there. Relax, your vehicle is one of the happiest on the road, anywhere.

 

[oldhp]

I never put Charger away because there is always a nice day to drive it. That being said, I use MMO in gas all the time but double the dose in winter. 6oz per tank summer, 12oz winter.
Helps keep inside of carb lubed. I also use battery tender.
I use 6qts Joe Gibbs conventional 10w30 in winter.
In summer 6qts Joe Gibbs 15w50 conventional.
Sometimes I mix 50/50 depending on what time of the year it is, this makes a 12W40ish oil that works.
On start-ups, no ticks or knocks no matter what mix of oil is in.
I use Royal Purple filter only.
All the oil never drops to bottom of pan, I've taken too many engines apart and have never found one "dry". There's always oil drops on cam lobes, edges of pistons, timing chains. Take pistons out and oil is in ring grooves.
Just my experience's.

 

[SS1970chrysler]

Try to pick a good filter with a great ADBV. That'll keep dry starting at a minimum.

 

[Clevy]

If its only sitting a month at a time then you don't need to do anything special although I would drain the fuel on the joyride and fill up before storing it again.
Your right about not starting it just to let it idle. That's absolute stupidity at its finest. If your going to start it drive it otherwise leave it.

 

[mk083]

Good to know that everything should be fine. I have been using Mobil 1 since day one and an AC Delco filter. Forgot to mention, if it makes any difference, the engine is a GM Ecotec 2.0L supercharged.

As far as the fuel goes, I never fill it completely. I usually fill it between 1/2 full and empty and use Sta Bil