Re: [MBZ] To start or to let slumber

2007-01-07 Thread David Brodbeck 
Zoltan Finks wrote:
> Would it be better for the vehicle's health if I started it periodically? If
> so, how often?
> - or -
> Would it be better for the vehicle's health if I let it sit undisturbed
> until I intend to actually drive it? And why would it be better?

I vote for "undisturbed."  Starting the engine and letting it idle
doesn't get the oil hot enough to cook off the water that's a byproduct
of the combustion process.  The result can be corrosion due to the oil
becoming acidic.  I would change the oil before parking it and then
leave it undisturbed.

As for the fuel tank, put in some fuel stabilizer and then fill it up.
Minimizing the amount of air in the tank will decrease the amount of
water that collects from condensation.

We're only talking a few months here, which isn't all that long to store
a car.  You probably don't need to take any other precautions, other
than putting some kind of trickle charger on the battery.  Make sure the
tires stay inflated, though; low tires will flat-spot badly in storage
and might be ruined.

Re: [MBZ] To start or to let slumber

2007-01-07 Thread Jim Cathey 

Would it be better for the vehicle's health if I let it sit undisturbed
until I intend to actually drive it? And why would it be better?


That is a relatively short time, if inside especially, for anything
but the battery and the fuel tank.  And you have those covered.
I'm sure that'll be best for it.  If you don't run it for long
enough each time to completely cook combustion moisture out of
everything you'll do more harm than good.  And it takes quite an
idle to fully heat up, nor is extended idling particularly good
for it.

-- Jim

[MBZ] To start or to let slumber

2007-01-07 Thread Zoltan Finks 

I know this was touched upon in fairly recent times, but bear with me.

Basic issue: It involves my 240D which I am not going to drive until
sometime this late Spring when all the salt/sand is off the roads

Would it be better for the vehicle's health if I started it periodically? If
so, how often?
- or -
Would it be better for the vehicle's health if I let it sit undisturbed
until I intend to actually drive it? And why would it be better?

Bear in mind that I do intend to "tend" the battery. But I do not intend to
do anything else, like drain the fuel tank (though I have put in some "Heat"
water remover).

Also, does letting it go a long time without starting allow air to enter the
fuel system in any way?

Brian
83 240D