Awakening from Winter Slumber

[mozza42]

Over this winter has been the longest time I've left the Tuscan without driving it.

As we are on the 1st of a Spring month, I shall be taxing and getting back out there...

I'd like to ensure that before the engine gets started there's plenty of oil sloshing around.

Can I somehow stop the engine from catching and allow plenty of turning over to circulate oil before starting?

[quint22cp]

No dizzy on a Tuscan. I do this on mine by pulling the fuel pump relay.

[mozza42]

A-ha, any pointers on where that relay is?

[quint22cp]

If you haven't already found it, look under the steering column and you will find the fuse board.

[frontfloater]

For the future, treating the engine with a PTFE oil additive should also help. It puts a teflon coating on all the moving parts which the oil touches, so there is still lubrication there once the oil has drained away.

I saw a demo at a motor show in the late 70s when the product "Slick-50" was launched. During development, after treating an engine they drained all the oil and then drove the car across an Australian desert, without overheating. This test was later successfully duplicated by independent US authorities.

The current manufacturers are not using the original formula, and their claims have been discredited in official tests. The original 1970s formula, which was proven to work in US Government tests, is now marketed as "Xcelplus", available on Ebay and direct from their website.

https://xcelplus.com.au/

One caveat ; don't use it soon after a rebuild. When I had my S2 engine rebuilt, I asked the specialist when / whether I should re-treat it with PTFE. He said that it would hinder the running-in process, and advised me to wait at least 1000 miles.

I have no connection to this product ; just a satisfied owner for many years.

Edited by frontfloater on Saturday 23 April 10:26

[mozza42]

Super, thanks all.