To start or not no start whilst in storage - I'm confused!

[HappyHeather]

Hello peeps . I read on another thread someone saying you shouldn't start / run your moho whilst it's being stored / not in use. I always thought you should turn it over and let it run a bit every couple of weeks (although having left it 2.5 weeks recently it's now dead as a doornail and can't even jump start it so the regular start,/run approach hasn't worked ). But on this other thread it was indicated that this approach may damage your moho (couldn't see the reason why or what damage might be done

So what do you all advise on this issue and how do you maintain batteries when not in use in winter?

Thanks

 

[Lenny HB]

You should never start a modern diesel and run it on tickover as the engine will never get up to operating temperature. You stand a high chance of damaging the CAT & DPF, risk glazed bores and other problems.

Best to take for a drive of about 20 miles that get the engine fully up to temperature and keep all the running gear in good condition.

 

[Andacami]

Agree. Give it good run.

I'll go for a 20 min steady run to a quite car park or lay-by and then jump out and check all the lights still work and for any leaks, etc. I'll then potter about inside, maybe even make a brew to check all is well inside too.

On the way back, I'll keep in a lower gear to keep the revs up for a bit too.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Mine stands for 5 or 6 months a year, always has done from new and it's 10 years old now, no problems with engine or tyres.

Sounds like your battery needs disconnecting though, mine are on optimate maintainers.

 

[PlacidoD]

Definitely something wrong if your vehicle battery cannot even be jump started after 2.5 weeks!

On the subject of running on idle to charge batteries I have neither the experience nor the ambition to disagree with Lenny. No way would I want to run a Euro 5 or 6 diesel in that way. I just wonder what is regarded as a "modern diesel"? Does my 2007 Ford Duratorq Euro 4 qualify? I really wanted to take mine for that 20 mile run a couple of weeks ago but then the big freeze hit us all and I decided there was no sense in being out on the road then.

P.S. My Hobby T500 is getting a run out for Sunday lunch (for me not the van!) today. A circa 50 mile round trip to Preston up the M61.

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[royandsharont]

Me too, off to Bridlington for a stroll tomorrow to give it a run. Plus I always bring it home every month to go on charge as per the Adria manual. In winter I have to do it every 2 weeks if the sun is crap as the alarm & tracker does seem to eat into the battery in winter

 

[Wheelsonfire]

I have no idea which chassis you are using, but modern seval units can fry airbag sensor ecu's if you try and start them with weak batteries.
As for 'running them for a bit'. Until the oil gets up to temp, unpleasant acids are formed which dont do your motor any favours.