Coming out of long term storage

[james]

Hi to all. I have not been active on the site lately as I've been in Mozambique since Jan. Hence the thread. I was suppose to be back in SA in March, return date now unknown, so I never prepped the car for storage. Just locked it in the garage. I know the battery is paste by now. Is there any other things I should look out for before starting her up again.

 

[Raybimmer]

check oil and water , try turn engine a bit with starter without starting then start and let idle for a while,check for fluid leaks .

 

[Twinz]

Also give the turbo on that diesel time to warm up on first start. Take it easy on the first couple of drives; she needs plenty of TLC. I have stored mine for longer...know what you mean. It can also do with a good polish...:thumbsup:

 

[andrewbuch]

I would say, remove battery.. Charge for 24 hours..

Check water & Oil

Put battery back in, turn ignition on.. allow glow plugs to warm up.. turn ignition off.. turn on allow glow plugs to warm... then try start..

Let it idle for a few minutes, while checking for any leaks..

Then take it for a drive, gently..

Pop onto the open road & give it a long run but take it easy

 

[Philip Foglar]

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr - not that long realistically. The battery since it wasn't disconnected is the only thing that's bound to be a problem - as Andrew says, take it out and stick it on charge for a day. It really should be fine, just take your time getting the battery sorted and as already mentioned, give the engine time to warm up a bit and get all the fluids pumping around before taking her for a drive.

 

[StK]

Your handbrake may be siezed on-it happens.Still my car was stood for a year and I had no problems-charged the battery and it started frst time.Changed the fluids and all was well

 

[james]

Thanks guys, planning to fumigate the garage while charging the battery. Just in case. I live on the mountain, so we get nasty critters. Would the hand brake be a problem?