sagaris 18 months not used

[rup xia455]

just got the sag out of storage,its been laid up 18months all seems ok,is there any thing i should check/do before. using.had a full service july 08 not used since,have checked levels and tyre pressure.thanks for any advise

[TVR_owner]

rup xia455 said:

just got the sag out of storage,its been laid up 18months all seems ok,is there any thing i should check/do before. using.had a full service july 08 not used since,have checked levels and tyre pressure.thanks for any advise

Once started get her on the move ASAP, ensure all gets up to temperature and you keep an eye on gauges. Expect a bit more vibration than you had before and a few more rattles, they should settle down. If you've not planned your first journey, it maybe wise to arrange it to be to a service centre that can change your oil and maybe brake fluid depending on type.

[plasticman]

If you have not started the engine do not . Take of the rocker cover and pour some oil on the cams and valve train as it will be bone dry .

[V8 GRF]

If the car was parked on it's tyres they're likely to have 'flats' on them which will cause some vibrations and they may need to be replaced if they're really bad. Unless of course you parked it on those storage holders or better still with the wheels and tyres off the car or jacked up.

[TVR_owner]

The guys ahd it parked for 18 month, not 18 years...

[Lensey]

Sorry no advice from me but I'm curious as to why you haven't used it for 18 months?

[Leadfoot]

plasticman said:

If you have not started the engine do not . Take of the rocker cover and pour some oil on the cams and valve train as it will be bone dry .

My top end was like this after <2 months without use.

[KillerJim]

Leadfoot said:

plasticman said:

If you have not started the engine do not . Take of the rocker cover and pour some oil on the cams and valve train as it will be bone dry .

My top end was like this after <2 months without use.

I`m pretty sure I read a comment about it taking only about 3 weeks for the top-end to become totally dry - one of the major reasons (excuses..) I use to take her out atleast every 2 weeks in the winter.

[TVR_owner]

KillerJim said:

Leadfoot said:

plasticman said:

If you have not started the engine do not . Take of the rocker cover and pour some oil on the cams and valve train as it will be bone dry .

My top end was like this after <2 months without use.

I`m pretty sure I read a comment about it taking only about 3 weeks for the top-end to become totally dry - one of the major reasons (excuses..) I use to take her out atleast every 2 weeks in the winter.

I don't know what oil you guys use, but I've never had a problem with engines being stood for such short periods loosing surface oil completely from components.

Are we not creating another unecessary concern relating to the already misunderstood engine?

[plasticman]

I don`t think having no oil on startup is an unnecessary concern . Using the factory reconmened oils this defiately happens to the speed six . I have taken the rocker cover off a month after last running and found the camshaft absolutely bone dry which is why I think the pre-oiler is essential for a car that is not used regularly.

[TVR_owner]

plasticman said:

I don`t think having no oil on startup is an unnecessary concern . Using the factory reconmened oils this defiately happens to the speed six . I have taken the rocker cover off a month after last running and found the camshaft absolutely bone dry which is why I think the pre-oiler is essential for a car that is not used regularly.

I think the oiler is a good idea. I don't think having no oil at the top end of an engine is an un-necessary concern either.

I dont think I'm putting my head in the sand by saying the pre-oiler is not essential for a car that is not used regularly.

It's just one of many engines with overhead cams that don't sit in oil at start up.

Reminds me of something an old and well resepcted engine builder used to say to me many many years ago when I was discussing filters or gauzed bell mouths on sidedraught carbs fitted to a road car. 100,000 miles with filters, 90,000 without was his answer relating to wear difference.. He was a good engine builder too, not a modern new part fitter.

Edited by TVR_owner on Thursday 5th November 15:03

[Mark A S]

If it were mine, after 18 months, and no use, I would take the plugs out, and spin up the engine on the starter for a while to circulate the oil. Re fit, and Brmmm brmmm !

[plasticman]

That would be a mistake as you will have increased the length of time the engine would be running dry and increased the loading on the valve train with the engine spinning so slowly

[TVR_owner]

plasticman said:

That would be a mistake as you will have increased the length of time the engine would be running dry and increased the loading on the valve train with the engine spinning so slowly

Agree, if you are concerned, then cover off and oil poured on the parts in view is the simple fix.

Just make sure you get the whole thing back together quickly though before all the oil dissapears.

[Mark A S]

plasticman said:

That would be a mistake as you will have increased the length of time the engine would be running dry and increased the loading on the valve train with the engine spinning so slowly

Interesting, is the Sp 6 that critical then on this subject?
Many moons ago, I used to run a Gp 4 BDG Escort, which was dry sumped. If it was left for a while, i.e over a month, or when I changed the oil, it was standard procedure to spin the engine over with the plugs out until the oil pressure registered, then re fit, and start.
I am never too old to learn

[Druid]

Interesting debate.

But I would imagine you have started it and run it quite happily by now, i would of!
So get it out on the road and up to mine for a comparison.

[fraxton]

I have seen a speed six engine out of the car sat in a workshop on the floor, it looked dusty on the outside but ok, but I was horrified when I took the camcover off as the camlobes were coverd in surfice rust.

[crimbo]

This is the first I've heard of a pre oiler, The only one I have found is from race proved and is £1300 fitted I thing from previous search's, has anyone got this or simular and does it work well etc?

http://www.raceproved.com/speed-six-cam-cover/

Edited by crimbo on Monday 9th November 01:07

[noddy2]

Have got pre oiler fitted, works superbly,initial delay while pump primes on start up.
Would reccomend this to any speed six owner,ideal when car has been stood for a while.
Has been on my car for over two years.Contact Raceproved in sheffield,I can reccomend them.

[Gaffer]

Candy was sat for 3 months without being started. She was fine once the battery was replaced.
Now she will be sat for 12 months or so till I next use her. I wont be doing anything other than charging the battery and starting her up. Will tehn get her serviced ready to be laid up again for another year.

Claire