| Re: [GMCnet] Question: Which does the most damage to the engine? [message #111887] |
Thu, 13 January 2011 11:34  |
Gary Casey
Messages: 448
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Tom,
I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I've been doing stuff like this for a long,
long time and I'm convinced that the best way to protect the engine is to shut
it off when you're done and don't start it until you need it again. I wouldn't
start it at all during the winter. And I certainly wouldn't drive it on salty
roads and then park it. Modern oil will protect the innards very well for the 6
months it is to be shut off. It is better if the weather is dry and it is
better if the engine stays cold. Colder the better. If you want store it
longer than that or are concerned about humid winter weather (like Detroit!)
then I would get a bag of desiccant and put it in the air cleaner, taping off
the intake. Tape off the tailpipe if you like. But I don't know if that will
do a lot of good, except that it will make you feel like you've done something.
I would certainly drive it for a bit before heading off on a long trip. Not to
"protect" the engine, but to remind myself of all the things I might want to fix
before getting a long ways from home.
Gary Casey
Many of our GMCs sit a long time between trips. I had heard that it is good
to warm it up and take it on a short trip every two weeks or so. I wondered if
those frequent start ups do more damage than just waiting just before you a
planned trip.
What do the experts think?
Thanks, Tom
--
Tom Fort, KA4KGR
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| Re: [GMCnet] Question: Which does the most damage to the engine? [message #111937 is a reply to message #111889] |
Thu, 13 January 2011 18:02  |
GMC_LES
Messages: 569
Registered: October 2009
Location: Montreal
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I've resurrected several vehicles that previously sat for up to 10 years without any special care. The engines ran fine and provided many years of reliable service afterwards.
Regarding storage of our coaches, It is more beneficial to use them as often as possible to keep the brakes and all other moving parts in safe operating condition. The engine is actually the least of our worries. Driving the coach will keep rust from forming on the brakes, prolongs the life of the exhaust system, and helps you identify any issues that might become a trip stopper BEFORE you need the coach for a trip.
Frequent use also helps deter rodents from moving in.
Les Burt
Sent from my iPhone
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Les Burt
Montreal
1975 Eleganza 26ft
A work in Progress
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