Starting a classic car after storage.

[InvaderV6]

Hello,

I will soon be collecting my classic car after having it shipped over to Malta. It's been in a container for about 3.5 months.

Apart from the obvious (checking for leaks, damage etc), is there anything I should check before starting the engine?

With thanks.

[bongtom]

It depends if you know when it’s had a service if not change the engine oil and fuel.

3.5 months isn’t long even for a classic.

[ARHarh]

If it was mine, I would check tyres and fluid levels, turn the key and drive off. I have just started my old land rover after it was up on stands for 3 months having stuff fixed, didn't even think about doing anything special.

[mike9009]

My old camper was off the road for six months this year.

Started first and then I just changed the oil, which was due anyway. I did not even need the battery charged. Drove to the local petrol station carefully and topped up with fresh fuel and checked the tyre pressures. Then did a trip to France a few weeks later without a hitch.

I wouldn't worry too much unless there is something obviously wrong.

[GAjon]

Assuming your user name means it’s got an Essex V6 in it, the 20-50 oil should be clinging on after 3 months.
However if you want to be sure , you can remove the dizzy, put an extension on a drill and run the oil pump up to get oil up to the top.

[steveo3002]

check the levels and start it up

[alfaspecial]

GAjon said:

Assuming your user name means it’s got an Essex V6 in it, the 20-50 oil should be clinging on after 3 months.
However if you want to be sure , you can remove the dizzy, put an extension on a drill and run the oil pump up to get oil up to the top.

Or, disconnect the coil - so you don't get a spark - then turn the engine over to pump the oil top the top of the engine. Let it drain down and repeat a couple of times.
Then, reconnect coil and start car.

Beforehand, it might be an idea to charge battery. 'Older', cold oil can have the consistency of treacle and can be hard to pump around the engine.

[InvaderV6]

Thanks everyone,

@GAjon - correct, Essex V6 in a Gilbern.

I have a cutoff to the battery installed so hopefully the battery (which was about a week old) should be ok.

I'll be sure to check oil level, water etc.

Thanks again

[HJG]

3.5 months is no time at all really. But worth checking for perished fuel lines.

[Roderick Spode]

Second shout on perished fuel lines, but also modern fuels. If it's had standard 95RON E10 unleaded in there, I've found that has lost it's willingness to fire up after a few months. Worth draining out or diluting with fresh to give it the best chance of firing. But otherwise, 3.5 months isn't too long for a car to stand.

[Yertis]

I did have the clutch seize on the TR once when I'd left it idle for about four months or so, which was quite annoying. I'd not leave it that long again for that reason alone.

[vpr]

As stated 3.5 months isn’t worth worrying about.

I just started a up a lotus Esprit that’s sat for 2.5 years. Luckily with low fuel so threw 20 ltrs of super and away we went.

I have cars that sit on my drive longer.

Edited by vpr on Monday 17th October 21:03

[996Keef]

Think I'd pull king lead off and spin it over for a bit till the oil pressure light goes off, then reconnect and go for a spin