Starting engine after standing

[TomB]

After an oil change or after winter hibernation, I just pull the plug on the injectors, spin it round on the starter to get oil pressure then reconnect and fire it up.  It is possible to over think things - its only a road car engine, not a blue printed, hand built 917 flat 12 or Ferrari V12.    

[aerobod - near CYYC]

I can't find any information from a mainstream manufacturer of a modern car that requires any special procedure for starting after an oil change, other than just start the engine and ensure the oil pressure warning light goes out and there are no leaks. It takes about 2 seconds longer after an oil change to build oil pressure as the oil filter fills, so longer than after winter storage, which would indicate no benefit to a special procedure after normal storage, either.

From an engine perspective, the only procedure that is generally recommended is to add fuel stabiliser when storing for months. I don't use fuel stabiliser myself, I just store with an almost empty tank and fill with fresh fuel in the spring, due to the fact that the low humidity climate here doesn't cause a problem with condensation forming inside empty fuel tanks.

 

[NS]

I have been known to pre-fill the oil filter prior to fitting, just thought it may help. 

[SM25T]

#28 ..... always do that !

[aerobod - near CYYC]

On the Duratec, I find I can only usefully get about 1/4 of the filter capacity pre-filled due to the horizontal location, so I don't bother. On my BMW M240i there is no useful amount you can pre-fill the filter with, as it is a top mount cartridge, anything poured in the filter housing just drains straight away.

[Wrightpayne]

James,

I find if you put a small amount of oil in the new filter (rather than fill it) the paper element soaks it all up if left for a short while so minimal spillages and the filter is ready to pass oil rather than being dry.

I have no quantifiable evidence to say this is better than any other approach - just seems logical an oil soaked filter is going to pass oil quicker than a dry filter. (Our tintop VW group cars have replacement element type filters so they end up going in dry!)

 

Ian

[aerobod - near CYYC]

Hi Ian, I find I can get about 100ml in it by pouring in the centre hole, anything more just runs out again when you tilt it on its side, as I say i don't bother any more, I'm too lazy/old to worry about such things!

[SM25T]

I remain amazed how much oil the filter will absorb before running out when laid on its side for fitting.

[7 wonders of the world]

....theres a fair amount of paper in a filter if you take one a part and unravel it, my old VAG TDi filter held nigh on 750ml so was well worth pre filling as it was mounted pretty much vertical too, but the Duratec Mann W77 filter is tiny to start with.

[SM25T]

Have you started it yet ? If not ...... get on with it !!

[Eriedor]

Hah! Front suspension took so much longer than planned, hoping to start tomorrow after I've done all the fuss of putting liquids back in!