Total newbie question.... Miata standing still for a while

[mmertens]

We (wife & me) bought in january of this year a nice (well I think) 1995 Miata M (US import to Germany at some time, then imported into NL again at some time). Looks like this: http://www.mx5gallery.net/displayimage.php?album=6... Had a few enjoyable rides in it but due to some rather unfortunate familiar circumstances it has been standing still now for about 8 or 9 months. I have a trickle charger on the battery but other than that it's been gathering dust, albeit in a nice dry (but not heated) garage. Question - do I have to take any special precautions before starting it again? I find advice on the Web (not all MX5 specific) ranging from no problem to take it to a specialist on a low loader... Before you answer, I'm not hugely mechanically savvy so if there's anything special to do a detailed explanation or link would be much appreciated.

TIA
Maarten

[MX-5 Lazza]

8-9 months isn't too bad. The oil should still be fine (assuming it was fine when it was laid-up.
All I'd do is pull the injector relay and turn it over a few times to make sure the oil was getting all around the engine before actually running it.
You should bear in mind that the fule might well have gone off a bit so drive it carefully at first and get some fresh fuel in when you get a chance. If it has about half a tank of fuel top it up with the best high octane fuel you can find.
Has it been parked with the handbrake on? If so it might well stick. Either way make sure the brakes are fine before picking up any real speed.

[YZF600R]

mmertens said:

We (wife & me) bought in january of this year a nice (well I think) 1995 Miata M (US import to Germany at some time, then imported into NL again at some time). Looks like this: http://www.mx5gallery.net/displayimage.php?album=6... Had a few enjoyable rides in it but due to some rather unfortunate familiar circumstances it has been standing still now for about 8 or 9 months. I have a trickle charger on the battery but other than that it's been gathering dust, albeit in a nice dry (but not heated) garage. Question - do I have to take any special precautions before starting it again? I find advice on the Web (not all MX5 specific) ranging from no problem to take it to a specialist on a low loader... Before you answer, I'm not hugely mechanically savvy so if there's anything special to do a detailed explanation or link would be much appreciated.

TIA
Maarten

Check fluids, especially oil.

Turn it over but don't start it to get some oil around the engine first.

Might want to add some new petrol, but after only 8 months shouldn't be a problem with the fuel in it.

Fire her up. Will be lumpy as anything for a couple of minutes and might take a few attempts to get going.

Let it idle until up to temp.

Job done.

[MX-5 Lazza]

I wouldn't let it idle up to temperature. Idling runs at a lower oil pressure so if the oil has sludged anywhere (shouldn't with modern oils but better safe than sorry) it might not shift it.
Better to let it idle until it's running smoothly then give it a few gentle revs to make sure it revs cleanly then go for a gentle drive just feeling for any problems with the engine & brakes.
It really shouldn't be a problem after only 8-9 months but it's better to err on the side of caution.

[mmertens]

Many thanks both! That looks like something even I could do... one small question, any pointers or a link as to where I find that injector relay you talk about? And also, English not being my first language - with "turning over" you mean turning the ignition key but switch off again before the engine actually starts? Or do you mean something else?

Thanks again - sorry if these are stupid questions....
Best regards,
Maarten

[franv8]

If findign the injector relay is hassle, just pull the connector toward the back of the inlet manifold - it's a square one that connects to the injector loom.

[MX-5 Lazza]

"Turning over" just means turning the key so the starter motor turns the engine. Keep it turning for 10 seconds or so to make sure oil is being moved all around the engine. Pulling the relay or the connector as Franv8 above says will allow that without the engine starting.

[mmertens]

Again, many thanks, Lazza et al. Should be able to find that and (hopefully) be up and running soon!
Best regards,
Maarten

[OnlyMX5ives]

If the battery is ok I'll bet it'll start first time.

If the fuel is stale (usually when only a little is left in) add some fresh.

9 months is nothing, I've gone to them after 2 yrs and they start immediately.

Its one of the many reasons why I love them