Starting my Vantage after a long break

[sparky17]

Thought I would share my experience. Started my 4.3 Vantage today for the first time in 15 months. Just didn’t get the opportunity to drive in 2021 but have a few things planned for this year. It is in a dry but unheated garage under a cover and on a trickle charger. I’d left it with about 1/3rd of a tank of fuel and hadn’t inflated the tyres to a higher pressure, having not really thought about any of that at the end of 2020 when I put it away. Although I had cleaned it and driven it to put it away warm.

So it’s now booked for service and MOT but I was nervous about starting it having read the threads here and elsewhere and the various techniques to hold the accelerator to the floor etc. I spoke to the indy specialist I use who were really helpful (as usual) and followed their advice:

1. Bought a Jerry can
2. Filled it with Shell superunleaded (99 Ron, E5!)
3. Added half a bottle of redex

And with some trepidation, started it as normal. Ignition on, wait for the pump to finish and press start. And delighted it started first time with no issues. Engine sounded sweet and soon warmed and settled to quiet tickover, A short and carful run revealed the biggest issue was the pads and discs needing to wear off the rust. Otherwise delighted and can’t wait for a great 2022.

No more furlough for the Vantage ??

[Import]

Ran mine for the first time in 3 months yesterday as well…my first winter storage..and it hit -38 with the wind chill…primed the oil pump…crossed my fingers…and started sweet as anything..thank god for that…the tender did its job well…cannot wait for full spring..lol

[Matt_E_Mulsion]

15 months in a dry garage - I'd have just made sure that the battery was charged and fired it straight up.

[QuantumV8]

Mine was flat with no E-key, so i had to get underneath to remove the below-engine cover, and reach up to get some small charger connectors on the terminals to open the locked doors. Fortunately I knew where they were and could do it by feel from under the car. Was very happy to have just read the thread re priming the oil, but felt the trepidation - full throttle on startup to prevent fuel flow?? I primed away happily for only a few seconds before the oil light flicked out, and also had a happy restart and warm to tick-over

[V8V Pete]

Import said:

…my first winter storage..and it hit -38 with the wind chill…

I'm not sure cars feel wind chill

[AndrewT1275]

Crikey. Are modern Astons made of cheese?

I've got a 35 year old Esprit that often goes for 3 months or so without starting. 'Recommissioning' involves turning the key to get the fuel pump running, a bit of choke, 2 dabs on the throttle and then turn the key to switch on the starter motor. Starts first time.