Storing a 92 Diablo
Discussion
Dear all
I was going to store my car at a storage garage that will remain nameless (for now as I have another non running car still there), but I returned after only one week as I happened to be in the area and the car had done 6 miles. I said nothing, as I knew if I started and didn't like the answer I might get annoyed. Instead I just took my car away. Now I will store it in my garage.
I will keep it on a trickle charger, under a high quality cover in a non climate controlled garage (In London so it never gets too cold, the pollution see's to that).
So are there any tips suggestions my fellow Lamborghinisti can help me with so I can avoid horrible things happening?, the main one for me is how often should I take it out? I'd rather take it out as little as possible as the entry to the garage is tight so it will be a stressful event each time. But I am aware that for the health of the vehicle it should be driven, so what is that sweet spot? Also periodically what should I check?
At the moment I take it out once per week as follows.
1. Drive to local riverside pub for a pose (like the old fosters advert) 1.5 miles
2. Drive home via a dual carriage way so I can go through all gears, I do not typically go over 45, and never rag it. 4 miles.
I was going to store my car at a storage garage that will remain nameless (for now as I have another non running car still there), but I returned after only one week as I happened to be in the area and the car had done 6 miles. I said nothing, as I knew if I started and didn't like the answer I might get annoyed. Instead I just took my car away. Now I will store it in my garage.
I will keep it on a trickle charger, under a high quality cover in a non climate controlled garage (In London so it never gets too cold, the pollution see's to that).
So are there any tips suggestions my fellow Lamborghinisti can help me with so I can avoid horrible things happening?, the main one for me is how often should I take it out? I'd rather take it out as little as possible as the entry to the garage is tight so it will be a stressful event each time. But I am aware that for the health of the vehicle it should be driven, so what is that sweet spot? Also periodically what should I check?
At the moment I take it out once per week as follows.
1. Drive to local riverside pub for a pose (like the old fosters advert) 1.5 miles
2. Drive home via a dual carriage way so I can go through all gears, I do not typically go over 45, and never rag it. 4 miles.
OSMojo said:
Dear all
I was going to store my car at a storage garage that will remain nameless (for now as I have another non running car still there), but I returned after only one week as I happened to be in the area and the car had done 6 miles. I said nothing, as I knew if I started and didn't like the answer I might get annoyed. Instead I just took my car away. Now I will store it in my garage.
I will keep it on a trickle charger, under a high quality cover in a non climate controlled garage (In London so it never gets too cold, the pollution see's to that).
So are there any tips suggestions my fellow Lamborghinisti can help me with so I can avoid horrible things happening?, the main one for me is how often should I take it out? I'd rather take it out as little as possible as the entry to the garage is tight so it will be a stressful event each time. But I am aware that for the health of the vehicle it should be driven, so what is that sweet spot? Also periodically what should I check?
At the moment I take it out once per week as follows.
1. Drive to local riverside pub for a pose (like the old fosters advert) 1.5 miles
2. Drive home via a dual carriage way so I can go through all gears, I do not typically go over 45, and never rag it. 4 miles.
your biggest issue is that such short trips never allow the condensation in the exhaust to fully evaporate; a 4 mile trip is hardly likely to even get the engine oil up to temperature; fine to drive it once a week, or even once a fortnight, but do some actual miles- go to a pub in the countryside etc; go on a run with a few other owners...I was going to store my car at a storage garage that will remain nameless (for now as I have another non running car still there), but I returned after only one week as I happened to be in the area and the car had done 6 miles. I said nothing, as I knew if I started and didn't like the answer I might get annoyed. Instead I just took my car away. Now I will store it in my garage.
I will keep it on a trickle charger, under a high quality cover in a non climate controlled garage (In London so it never gets too cold, the pollution see's to that).
So are there any tips suggestions my fellow Lamborghinisti can help me with so I can avoid horrible things happening?, the main one for me is how often should I take it out? I'd rather take it out as little as possible as the entry to the garage is tight so it will be a stressful event each time. But I am aware that for the health of the vehicle it should be driven, so what is that sweet spot? Also periodically what should I check?
At the moment I take it out once per week as follows.
1. Drive to local riverside pub for a pose (like the old fosters advert) 1.5 miles
2. Drive home via a dual carriage way so I can go through all gears, I do not typically go over 45, and never rag it. 4 miles.
Since you may have fuel dilution issues with the oil from such short/infrequent use, run a full ester synthetic like a Millers Nanodrive NT (or NT+) or Motul 300V or Redline or Fuchs Titan Race Pro S. These "Ester Synthetics" coat the engine parts better for infrequent start ups, and resist fuel dilution which is often an issue for large capacity old school engines like the lambo's run (I have a murcielago), especially when used on frequent short trips. These oils also resist oxidation better and won't be as acidic as "normal synthetics" and mineral oils. I'd still change oil yearly.
Its good you don't "rag" your engine on such short trips, but when your oil is up to temperature, then running your car through the full rev range is both good for the car, and fun to do. If you consistently run a limited rev range, over time/miles you wear a kind of a step in the cylinder bore as the piston never (or rarely) stretches the conrod to its full extent as this only happens at higher revs; in extreme cases when you then do take it to high revs, the bore isn't even worn. I doubt you'll have this issue as you're doing 5 miles a week...
Another issue is you may flat spot your tires if stored long term, but with a weekly use thats not such an issue, but if you're worried, then get these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Race-Ramps-RR-FS-Flatstop...
Always check your hoses; rubber deteriorates with age, regardless of usage.
I would run my heater for a few minutes each time you take your car out- its good for the fluid in the heater matrix to circulate.
Run your air-con for the entire drive; keeps the seals from drying out and the gas from leaking; also keeps the compressor working nicely as it circulates the oil in the system.
Basically change your brake fluid every two years, regardless of use- its hygroscopic; and I'd change coolant every two years regardless of miles- and fill the system with deionised water (you should do this anyway) as it really slows corrosion in the system and prevent thermostats from seizing etc (worse in London with it's hard water).
SydneySE said:
your biggest issue is that such short trips never allow the condensation in the exhaust to fully evaporate; a 4 mile trip is hardly likely to even get the engine oil up to temperature; fine to drive it once a week, or even once a fortnight, but do some actual miles- go to a pub in the countryside etc; go on a run with a few other owners...
Since you may have fuel dilution issues with the oil from such short/infrequent use, run a full ester synthetic like a Millers Nanodrive NT (or NT+) or Motul 300V or Redline or Fuchs Titan Race Pro S. These "Ester Synthetics" coat the engine parts better for infrequent start ups, and resist fuel dilution which is often an issue for large capacity old school engines like the lambo's run (I have a murcielago), especially when used on frequent short trips. These oils also resist oxidation better and won't be as acidic as "normal synthetics" and mineral oils. I'd still change oil yearly.
Its good you don't "rag" your engine on such short trips, but when your oil is up to temperature, then running your car through the full rev range is both good for the car, and fun to do. If you consistently run a limited rev range, over time/miles you wear a kind of a step in the cylinder bore as the piston never (or rarely) stretches the conrod to its full extent as this only happens at higher revs; in extreme cases when you then do take it to high revs, the bore isn't even worn. I doubt you'll have this issue as you're doing 5 miles a week...
Another issue is you may flat spot your tires if stored long term, but with a weekly use thats not such an issue, but if you're worried, then get these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Race-Ramps-RR-FS-Flatstop...
Always check your hoses; rubber deteriorates with age, regardless of usage.
I would run my heater for a few minutes each time you take your car out- its good for the fluid in the heater matrix to circulate.
Run your air-con for the entire drive; keeps the seals from drying out and the gas from leaking; also keeps the compressor working nicely as it circulates the oil in the system.
Basically change your brake fluid every two years, regardless of use- its hygroscopic; and I'd change coolant every two years regardless of miles- and fill the system with deionised water (you should do this anyway) as it really slows corrosion in the system and prevent thermostats from seizing etc (worse in London with it's hard water).
Great advice, thanks very muchSince you may have fuel dilution issues with the oil from such short/infrequent use, run a full ester synthetic like a Millers Nanodrive NT (or NT+) or Motul 300V or Redline or Fuchs Titan Race Pro S. These "Ester Synthetics" coat the engine parts better for infrequent start ups, and resist fuel dilution which is often an issue for large capacity old school engines like the lambo's run (I have a murcielago), especially when used on frequent short trips. These oils also resist oxidation better and won't be as acidic as "normal synthetics" and mineral oils. I'd still change oil yearly.
Its good you don't "rag" your engine on such short trips, but when your oil is up to temperature, then running your car through the full rev range is both good for the car, and fun to do. If you consistently run a limited rev range, over time/miles you wear a kind of a step in the cylinder bore as the piston never (or rarely) stretches the conrod to its full extent as this only happens at higher revs; in extreme cases when you then do take it to high revs, the bore isn't even worn. I doubt you'll have this issue as you're doing 5 miles a week...
Another issue is you may flat spot your tires if stored long term, but with a weekly use thats not such an issue, but if you're worried, then get these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Race-Ramps-RR-FS-Flatstop...
Always check your hoses; rubber deteriorates with age, regardless of usage.
I would run my heater for a few minutes each time you take your car out- its good for the fluid in the heater matrix to circulate.
Run your air-con for the entire drive; keeps the seals from drying out and the gas from leaking; also keeps the compressor working nicely as it circulates the oil in the system.
Basically change your brake fluid every two years, regardless of use- its hygroscopic; and I'd change coolant every two years regardless of miles- and fill the system with deionised water (you should do this anyway) as it really slows corrosion in the system and prevent thermostats from seizing etc (worse in London with it's hard water).
Rather than every week you are better off doing a longer drive less frequently, say monthly, will limit clutch wear getting in and out of a tight garage too... As said, just starting it up is not good.
Garage does not have to be climate controlled, my gallardo lives in an attached garage with no heaters etc. Like yours, no real extremes of temperature. It's now 4 years old and London commented it looked better than new when they had it in for servicing
Garage does not have to be climate controlled, my gallardo lives in an attached garage with no heaters etc. Like yours, no real extremes of temperature. It's now 4 years old and London commented it looked better than new when they had it in for servicing
70proof said:
Rather than every week you are better off doing a longer drive less frequently, say monthly, will limit clutch wear getting in and out of a tight garage too... As said, just starting it up is not good.
Garage does not have to be climate controlled, my gallardo lives in an attached garage with no heaters etc. Like yours, no real extremes of temperature. It's now 4 years old and London commented it looked better than new when they had it in for servicing
OK thanks. Monthly would be better for me, as mentioned the garage entrance tight etc, as it's a classic I want to limit the wear on it. Garage does not have to be climate controlled, my gallardo lives in an attached garage with no heaters etc. Like yours, no real extremes of temperature. It's now 4 years old and London commented it looked better than new when they had it in for servicing
OSMojo said:
OK thanks. Monthly would be better for me, as mentioned the garage entrance tight etc, as it's a classic I want to limit the wear on it.
its a shame people think like this. My Murcielago has over 60K miles on it. As stated in my post above; most deterioration in cars is simply from non-use: hardening/cracking rubber, seals leaking from drying out, tyres flat spotting (and they also have a time limit on them before the rubber hardens and cracks too). Many service items need doing regardless of miles- just time if not used much. Driving a car does not "wear it out," failing to maintain it does...
Of course there are people who think exotics shouldn't have many miles on it.. but once again this does not address the real condition of the car. I recently purchased an absolutely immaculate Maserati Quattroporte (55 plate) with 54K miles on it. The entire bakes system had been done (callipers re-furbed, master cylinder, discs, pads), new air-con compressor, various suspension bushes (all done by the owner, not a dealer). The car had ceramic paint protection, even on the inside barrels of the wheels. The cam cover gaskets had been replaced, clutch and throw out bearing. It was basically superbly maintained. It looks and drives better than some 1 year old cars.... really its not the miles that are an issue.
That being said, there is a perception that super cars need to be low mile for re-sale, but I've seen far to many low mile cars being unreliable....
SydneySE said:
its a shame people think like this. My Murcielago has over 60K miles on it.
As stated in my post above; most deterioration in cars is simply from non-use: hardening/cracking rubber, seals leaking from drying out, tyres flat spotting (and they also have a time limit on them before the rubber hardens and cracks too). Many service items need doing regardless of miles- just time if not used much. Driving a car does not "wear it out," failing to maintain it does...
Of course there are people who think exotics shouldn't have many miles on it.. but once again this does not address the real condition of the car. I recently purchased an absolutely immaculate Maserati Quattroporte (55 plate) with 54K miles on it. The entire bakes system had been done (callipers re-furbed, master cylinder, discs, pads), new air-con compressor, various suspension bushes (all done by the owner, not a dealer). The car had ceramic paint protection, even on the inside barrels of the wheels. The cam cover gaskets had been replaced, clutch and throw out bearing. It was basically superbly maintained. It looks and drives better than some 1 year old cars.... really its not the miles that are an issue.
That being said, there is a perception that super cars need to be low mile for re-sale, but I've seen far to many low mile cars being unreliable....
Yes that perception is correct, this is why I don't want to add miles to an extremely low mileage Diablo, hence the post.As stated in my post above; most deterioration in cars is simply from non-use: hardening/cracking rubber, seals leaking from drying out, tyres flat spotting (and they also have a time limit on them before the rubber hardens and cracks too). Many service items need doing regardless of miles- just time if not used much. Driving a car does not "wear it out," failing to maintain it does...
Of course there are people who think exotics shouldn't have many miles on it.. but once again this does not address the real condition of the car. I recently purchased an absolutely immaculate Maserati Quattroporte (55 plate) with 54K miles on it. The entire bakes system had been done (callipers re-furbed, master cylinder, discs, pads), new air-con compressor, various suspension bushes (all done by the owner, not a dealer). The car had ceramic paint protection, even on the inside barrels of the wheels. The cam cover gaskets had been replaced, clutch and throw out bearing. It was basically superbly maintained. It looks and drives better than some 1 year old cars.... really its not the miles that are an issue.
That being said, there is a perception that super cars need to be low mile for re-sale, but I've seen far to many low mile cars being unreliable....
OSMojo said:
SydneySE said:
its a shame people think like this. My Murcielago has over 60K miles on it.
As stated in my post above; most deterioration in cars is simply from non-use: hardening/cracking rubber, seals leaking from drying out, tyres flat spotting (and they also have a time limit on them before the rubber hardens and cracks too). Many service items need doing regardless of miles- just time if not used much. Driving a car does not "wear it out," failing to maintain it does...
Of course there are people who think exotics shouldn't have many miles on it.. but once again this does not address the real condition of the car. I recently purchased an absolutely immaculate Maserati Quattroporte (55 plate) with 54K miles on it. The entire bakes system had been done (callipers re-furbed, master cylinder, discs, pads), new air-con compressor, various suspension bushes (all done by the owner, not a dealer). The car had ceramic paint protection, even on the inside barrels of the wheels. The cam cover gaskets had been replaced, clutch and throw out bearing. It was basically superbly maintained. It looks and drives better than some 1 year old cars.... really its not the miles that are an issue.
That being said, there is a perception that super cars need to be low mile for re-sale, but I've seen far to many low mile cars being unreliable....
Yes that perception is correct, this is why I don't want to add miles to an extremely low mileage Diablo, hence the post.As stated in my post above; most deterioration in cars is simply from non-use: hardening/cracking rubber, seals leaking from drying out, tyres flat spotting (and they also have a time limit on them before the rubber hardens and cracks too). Many service items need doing regardless of miles- just time if not used much. Driving a car does not "wear it out," failing to maintain it does...
Of course there are people who think exotics shouldn't have many miles on it.. but once again this does not address the real condition of the car. I recently purchased an absolutely immaculate Maserati Quattroporte (55 plate) with 54K miles on it. The entire bakes system had been done (callipers re-furbed, master cylinder, discs, pads), new air-con compressor, various suspension bushes (all done by the owner, not a dealer). The car had ceramic paint protection, even on the inside barrels of the wheels. The cam cover gaskets had been replaced, clutch and throw out bearing. It was basically superbly maintained. It looks and drives better than some 1 year old cars.... really its not the miles that are an issue.
That being said, there is a perception that super cars need to be low mile for re-sale, but I've seen far to many low mile cars being unreliable....
I’ve owned my 92 Diablo 20 years.
It’s done nearly 30,000kms.
Used to drive it more but with kids and the other cars it probably gets used the least now.
I try and always run it up to full operating temp once a month.
Without wishing to tempt fate, it’s had the odd niggle over the years but that’s it.
Last of the old style Lambos - no power steering, abs, traction control.............so actually less to go wrong.
It’s done nearly 30,000kms.
Used to drive it more but with kids and the other cars it probably gets used the least now.
I try and always run it up to full operating temp once a month.
Without wishing to tempt fate, it’s had the odd niggle over the years but that’s it.
Last of the old style Lambos - no power steering, abs, traction control.............so actually less to go wrong.
Patrick-Peter said:
Boy am I am glad I bought a averaged mileage Murcielago so that I don't have to count the miles and worry about being that anal about it. I bought it to drive not to speculate investment wise. I know of a beautiful LP670 that never gets driven and sits under a cover from one MOT to the next.
Good idea, I might get a Murcielago or a Gallardo to rag around in.Ferruccio said:
I’ve owned my 92 Diablo 20 years.
It’s done nearly 30,000kms.
Used to drive it more but with kids and the other cars it probably gets used the least now.
I try and always run it up to full operating temp once a month.
Without wishing to tempt fate, it’s had the odd niggle over the years but that’s it.
Last of the old style Lambos - no power steering, abs, traction control.............so actually less to go wrong.
Yeah they're pretty simple cars mechanically.It’s done nearly 30,000kms.
Used to drive it more but with kids and the other cars it probably gets used the least now.
I try and always run it up to full operating temp once a month.
Without wishing to tempt fate, it’s had the odd niggle over the years but that’s it.
Last of the old style Lambos - no power steering, abs, traction control.............so actually less to go wrong.
Some good advice above, you must get the engine up to temp and run once a month. These cars do not sit unused well. I have an early 90 Diablo with low miles too, that gets used for 6 months of the year , even if my other cars mean it gets a Cotswolds run out not a big euro voyage. But get the engine fluids hot and circulating.
Very old style the early cars, and a real beast.
Very old style the early cars, and a real beast.
I'm in the same place as your. I have a 1993 car that has hot been driven in about a year or more. I took very I'll and don't think it will every be driven again. It's always been storaged in a heated garage. So I think ill just sell up. I have lost allot of strength in my leags and you need allot of power thear
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