Winter layup advise

[Lodgebaker]

Hello - a quick question - my E has had its annual service and is now in a bubble in the garage on trickle feed and have not started it for about 6 to 8 weeks. Today i decided to take on quick run as roads dry. It went well but was slow to start even with electronic ignition. Usually a first time starter but today (very cold -1) about 7 or 8 turns. What is the general opinion of just starting it up and running it in garage for a few minutes each week? I had up to now thought that was not such a good idea? Would welcome you thoughts and guidance.

[mgcjag]

Hi....whats your name...please try to put it with your car model in the signature area....thanks.......Hope the gritters hadnt been out in your area last night...even on dry days if salt is about you dont want it under your car....Starting and running in the garage is ok but not just for a few minutes.....let it get right up to temperature..15-20 mins
& engage gear to move forward & back slightly so the clutch dont seize up ..Steve

[malcolm]

I'm no expert here as anyone will tell you, but I don't think it's a great idea.
It takes ages for the car to reach proper operating oil temperature, and if you're going to start it, it needs to do that. My car normally starts on the button, but when I leave it for weeks, mine also takes a fair number of grinds to get the fuel through the system enough to start. Doesn't worry me, as I know that's what it's about.
I just leave mine on an optimate battery system, keep it cosy, and wait for the spring.
Check now and again in case pesky mice get in, check for damp/mould on carpet (shouldn't happen unless for example car was left with wet carpets) and wait for the spring.

Edit - writing as you posted Steve!

[cactusman]

I'd go with the above. Mine will start almost immediately if it has run in the past couple of days but after sitting for a month it will take 3 or 4 three second crank sessions before it sparks into life. Once started all is well. I do try to run mine as often as possible in the winter - although not this weekend - the roads have more salt than the local chip shop! Touch wood I have never had the clutch plate stick but I'd advise not to leave the clutch depressed as you then leave the clutch hydraulics pressurised with the inevitable possibility of a leak. And never leave the hand brake on either! I guess if it laid up for a long time one could pour a bit of oil or upper cylinder lube in the plug holes although be prepared for it to be tricky to start and when it does there will be a HUGE plume of smoke till the oil has burned off Personally I would not bother..
The MGB (also SU carbs) behaves very much the same although once warmed up it starts instantly with just the mearest twitch of they key. I do sometimes wonder about immaculate looking cars at shows that have stood for just a few hours and then take an age to start with endless cranking and coughing....

[mystery type]

As the fuel will evaporate during lay-ups, don't forget to let the carbs fill with petrol BEFORE cranking the engine. Another tip is to over-inflate the tyres to help prevent flat-spots if left for a long period.

[mgcjag]

I have had the clutch stick/sieze up.....its a scary procedure to unstick it.....so operate it every now and then a move fore/aft....Steve

[chrisfell]

Wheels off, hubs resting on jacks. Body covered with a loose cover. Windows open.
Dehumidifier on constantly.
I still start the car once a month, let it idle for a while, until the fan comes on. Gently rev the warm engine, listen for any noises that shouldn’t be there. Try not to get caught by the neighbours pretending to change gears or making Brrrm noises.
If the weather has been warm and salt washed off the roads it may get down onto its feet and go for a run, but otherwise it sits and waits, or has this winter’s fettling done.