Due to covid and border closure I had to leave vehicle in Florida for the past 6-7 months. The battery has CTEK battery maintainer. Since Jag has not been started for past 6-7 months any advice? Tank is half full and from what I have been told, the tires are in good shape. Oil change was last done 8 months ago. Thanks.

Murphman

 

murphman, having had to leave my vehicles for awhile due to being away (stuck on a submarine in the middle of the ocean), I always started the vehicle and let it idle for a few minutes, just to ensure that the oil got to everywhere it needed to. The oil is going to be fine as it will really last for years in a non-running engine as long as it is not subjected to the environment. Even still, 8 months is nothing to worry about. From there, take the car out for a good drive, slosh it around a bit to make sure the suspension gets a good work out and get rid of as much of the old gas as you can. From there, fill it up and drive like normal. All should be good.

 

You may find the tyres have got flats on them from the 7 month standing. If so, do a long run of about 50-70 miles and they should disappear. You laso need to "condition" the brake pads and discs that will be rusty from non-use, so a couple of hard stops after you've driven around normally for a few miles should so the trick. At one time, the motoring magazines used to give advice on laying up cars for winter. In the 50s a lot of cars had no heaters in the UK.

 

The main thing is to be gentle with it while the engine warms up. I would start it, let it idle for a couple of minutes, then drive it to warm it up, but carefully - light throttle, no high revs. You should do this for 10 minutes after the temp gauge reads N. This is because the oil temp lags the coolant temperature.

Actually, you should always do the above - it's good practice.

 

Much appreciated! Good things to do. Thanks again.

Murphman

 

Thanks. I follow-up with your suggestions. Much appreciated.

Murphman

 

One of the concerns is ethanol-containing fuel separating. If you had fuel stabilizer added, you are fine. If not, at 12 months mark you probably want to pay to have your fuel tank drained. At 6 months you are probably fine. Otherwise you can suck-in some water and low octane fuel from the bottom of the tank.

I always try to store my cars (and tools) with a fuel tank full, no-ethanol premium gas, and fuel stabilizer.