Exercising DB7

[jmsgld]

My neighbour keeps a DB7 garaged for 4+ months at a time whilst he is away, and has been having problems associated with long periods standing - tyres, battery when trickle failed etc..

He has named me on the insurance and asked that I exercise it regularly, he has suggested 10 miles or so every 3 weeks.

Does this sound like enough? Purely in the interests of mechanical sympathy what would be opinions on the optimal amount of running during extended periods of activity?

Is there anything else that I should be doing; how long will fuel sit for happily?

Many thanks,

James

[old phart]

I'm living in the wrong neighborhood.

[divetheworld]

Enough to get the oil up to temperature, then at least 10 mins after that. This is all that is required.
Less than that and you'd be better off not moving it.

[Jockman]

I seem to recall around 30 miles was required for a FULL battery recharge.....or did I just dream that a couple of years ago

[divetheworld]

Jockman said:

I seem to recall around 30 miles was required for a FULL battery recharge.....or did I just dream that a couple of years ago

You've been warned about discussing your dreams in public before. Thin end of the wedge.........

[Jockman]

Oi Brent...leave my wedge out of this

I'm sure Brakedwell?? posted up some info. Was it 30 miles or 30 mins

[jmsgld]

Excellent, 10 mins of oil up to temp sounds more sensible, and more fun!

The battery is on a trickle, and was replaced recently so shouldn't be an issue...

Just got to wait for the garage to fix the air con now... and hopefully will have some nice weather.

Thanks again, James

[Gdc]

The AA man told me at least 20 minutes running to warm the oil and recharge the battery.

Usually once I've driven it for 20 minutes I'm just getting reacquainted so often turns into an hour or two of more spirited driving...

[Jon39]

My V8V Is purely for enjoyment, and preferably on a dry day too, so sometimes stands for a few weeks.
I have used the following discipline, and there have not been problems yet.

1. Parked in a dry garage with dehumidifier running when appropriate.
2. Park with thick carpets under each tyre. It is sometimes suggested, increase tyre pressures, but probably that is for more extended periods.
3. Park in gear with handbrake off.
4. Trickle charger on.
5. It might not be on a DB7, but the Gaydon cars have a button that switches off the majority of the electrics.
6.Again don't know about DB7, but build up oil pressure before allowing engine to start.
7. Drive off, then lightly dab on the footbrake and handbrake, to clear 'muck' from discs.
8. I drive a minimum of 25 miles about every three weeks. Everything should then be warm including getting rid of moisture in the exhaust system.
9. Use the bits that could seize, perhaps wipers etc.
10. Run the air conditioning for a while on full cold, then afterwards hot. It is said that seals can dry out through non use.
11. Occasionally, some light braking a few times, followed by a heavy brake. Supposed to help avoid brake squeal.
14. Cover the car with a sheet after it is cool.

When engine fully hot and no one looking, I give it the 'beans', but you did say it is not your car, so perhaps best to ignore this point. -

If anyone has additional points, I would be interested, but as said, this has worked for a few years.

Edited by Jon39 on Sunday 2nd August 16:12

[V8LM]

Jon39 said:

6.Again don't know about DB7, but build up oil pressure before allowing engine to start.

The method for doing this (crank with foot flat to the floor) works on a DB7 Vantage, NOT an i6.

[jmsgld]

Thanks for all the replies, v. useful. It's the I6 rather than the Vantage... Still waiting for the air-con to be fixed sadly.

[breezer42]

jmsgld said:

Excellent, 10 mins of oil up to temp sounds more sensible, and more fun!

The battery is on a trickle, and was replaced recently so shouldn't be an issue...

Just got to wait for the garage to fix the air con now... and hopefully will have some nice weather.

Thanks again, James

That's another point - always run it with the aircon on. It's more important to give that exercise than the rest of the components put together.

[breezer42]

V8LM said:

The method for doing this (crank with foot flat to the floor) works on a DB7 Vantage, NOT an i6.

My DB7V starts almost first turn, so I would be extremely nervous to floor the throttle while cranking it! Are you sure this is a good idea? My preferred option is just to keep it slightly above idle speed at first to ensure the oil gets around quickly.

[toohuge]

breezer42 said:

My DB7V starts almost first turn, so I would be extremely nervous to floor the throttle while cranking it! Are you sure this is a good idea? My preferred option is just to keep it slightly above idle speed at first to ensure the oil gets around quickly.

The foot to the floor method cuts the fuel injection whilst cranking the engine over. It prevents cylinder wash out and does allow the user to prime the oil system before starting....

The benefits can be debated till the cows come home, but modern oils usually offer sufficient coverage even after sitting for a long time. It is particularly useful if you have just done a head gasket / head rebuild and need to bring oil up to the head.

[Jon39]

breezer42 said:

My DB7V starts almost first turn, so I would be extremely nervous to floor the throttle while cranking it!

My knowledge is V8V, so check your handbook, but previous post said also DB7V.

You state 'floor the throttle while cranking'.
It is floor the throttle BEFORE cranking. Make sure to keep it floored whilst cranking.
Watch for oil pressure light to extinguish, then start normally.

[V8LM]

But as I said, not on an i6!

[vankypanky]

you can still do it on an i6 but you might end up with an i4