Long parking is a major stress for everything from electrics to engine mechanics. Many car owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to turn the key in the ignition lock, but reality often presents unpleasant surprises in the form of a discharged battery or thickened oil. If a car has stood still for months or even years, its start algorithm is radically different from the usual morning start.
Ignoring the rules of preparation can lead to expensive repairs, including replacing the starter or even overhauling the power unit. diagnosis In this article, we will discuss a step-by-step plan of action that will help to revive the car with minimal risks to its components.
The main problem that a driver faces after a downtime is the chemical processes that occur when the machinery is not working: the fuel could evaporate or stratify, the battery could sulfate, and rubber seals lose elasticity. The right approach to the question of how to start the engine after a long downtime will save you not only nerves, but also significant financial resources.
Visual inspection and body preparation
The first step should always be a thorough one. physique Take your time to drive; go around the car to check for traces of rodents, which often nest in the engine compartment of standing cars, and damaged wiring can cause a short circuit on the first launch attempt.
Pay special attention to the condition of the tires. After a long period of standing in one place, the rubber could deform or lose pressure. Nitrogen In tires or normal air, you could get out through micropores, so you need to check the pressure with a pressure gauge, so if you notice deep cracks on the sidewalls, you better postpone operation until you replace the rubber.
⚠️ Warning: If you find traces of rodent nesting in the hood, do not start the engine immediately, clean the biological material compartment and check the integrity of the wire insulation, otherwise a fire is possible.
Check the cleanliness of the windows and the wipers, and during the downtime, the rubber part of the brushes could stick to the glass or dry, and trying to turn on frozen or stuck wipers can burn the drive motor or tear the belt if it's shared.
Diagnostics of electrical system and battery
The most common reason why a car does not start after idleness is discharged. batteryEven when the battery is off, it loses charge due to natural self-discharge and alarm systems, and if the car has been uncharging for more than a month, the probability of a deep discharge is close to 100%.
First, assess the status of the terminals. Contact oxidation is a frequent companion of long downtime. Clean them with a metal brush and check the reliability of the puff. If there is a charge indicator on the battery, check its color. However, you should not rely on eye only, you should use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the terminals.
- 🔋 If the voltage is below 11.5 volts, the battery requires charging by an external device before attempting to start.
- 🔋 At a voltage of 12.0-12.4 Volts, you can try to start the engine, but it is better to recharge the battery.
- 🔋 A voltage above 12.6 volts indicates a good charge ready to start.
If you don't have time to charge for a long time, you can use the lighting method from another car. Follow a strict sequence of wires: first, plus the donor to the recipient plus, then minus the donor to the mass (body) of the car you start. Directly connecting the minus to the minus of the dead battery can be dangerous if the battery is damaged.
Checking of technical fluids and filters
Before you turn the starter, you need to make sure that the engine has something to lubricate the rubbing vapors. Oil during the idle glass in the crankcase, and the first seconds the engine will operate in oil starvation mode. Check the level of oil with a probe; if it is critically low, add a similar one.
Pay special attention to fuel. Gasoline tends to oxidize and lose its properties after 3-6 months of storage. Old fuel can clog up. fuel-filter And the injectors, and the octane number, which will cause detonation, so if you're splashing old gasoline in the tank, you better drain it or dilute it heavily fresh.
| Fluid | Normal after downtime | Deviation action | Criticism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor oil | Between MIN and MAX | Addition or replacement | High. |
| Antifreeze | Above MIN | Distilled water | Medium |
| Brake fluid | Transparent, no sludge | Replacement of the system | Critical |
| Fuel. | Fresh, odorless rot. | Drain and flush the tank | High. |
Check the level and condition of the brake fluid, which is hygroscopic and can gain moisture during the downtime, which will lead to corrosion of the calipers and boiling when braking. If the fluid has darkened or become cloudy, you can not start operating the car.
Before you first start, unscrew the spark plugs and check their gap and color of the soda. Dry candles can talk about problems with the fuel supply, and gasoline washers can talk about overflow.
Mechanical preparation of the engine for start-up
There is an effective method of pre-lubrication of the engine, which is highly recommended by mechanics for motors that have stood for more than six months, the essence of the method is to create an oil pressure in the system before the crankshaft starts to rotate with the starter.
To implement this method, you need to unscrew the spark plugs (or injectors, if available) and turn off the fuel supply (remove the fuel pump fuse or the nozzle chip). After that, briefly turn on the starter for 3-5 seconds several times, this will allow the oil to rise from the crankcase and lubricate the camshaft bearings and the piston group.
⚠️ Warning: When scrolling the engine without candles or nozzles, be careful with open holes in the GBC. The cylinders may get dust or dirt, which will cause abrasive wear. Close the holes with clean rags.
If the car is carburetor, be sure to check the fuel level in the float chamber. In injection systems, the first time you start the ignition (without starting the starter), the gas pump will create the necessary pressure in the ramp. When you hear the characteristic humming of the pump, wait a couple of seconds until it turns off, and repeat the procedure 2-3 times to fill the highways.
Algorithm of first engine start
When all the preparatory stages are complete, you can proceed to the most critical moment. P You can get the handbrake tightened, and you can squeeze the clutch, and that will make it easier to scrolle through the crankshaft and unconnect the transmission.
Turn on the ignition and wait 3-5 seconds for the fuel pump to pump pressure and engine control system (see below).ECU) will conduct a self-diagnosis: all error indicators shall be turned off on the dashboard except the oil pressure indicator and battery charge, which go out after start-up.
☑️ Checklist before kick-off
Press the gas pedal briefly (1/3 stroke) and turn the starter for no more than 10 seconds. If the engine does not grab, pause for a minute to cool the starter. After a successful start, do not gas sharply; let the engine work at idle speeds, gradually warming up.
The first start after downtime should take place in a gentle mode: avoid high revs until the engine is fully warmed up and all components reach the operating temperature.
Actions after successful launch and break-in
After the engine is started, listen carefully to its operation, foreign knocking, sniffing or whistles may indicate problems with attachments or liners, check if there are any oil or antifreeze leaks under the car.
The first kilometers of the journey should be driven in a calm mode, avoiding sharp accelerations and braking, brake discs could be covered with corrosion, pads - sulphurized, a few smooth braking will help to clean the working surface of the discs and restore the effectiveness of the braking system.
Be sure to check all systems: steering, lighting, air conditioning. Long-term downtime could affect the movable connections. If you notice vibrations or the beating of the steering wheel, perhaps the wheels lost balance or appeared "herniations" on the tires.
What if the engine is running after the start?
If the engine is running unevenly after starting, perhaps one of the candles is not working or the nozzle is full. Try to drive a few kilometers at high speed (carefully!) to burn out the swelling. If the problem does not disappear, you need a diagnosis in the service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long can a car stay without damage to the engine?
The optimal downtime without adverse effects is up to 1 month, after which the active sulfation of the battery and possible dissection of the fuel begin, if the car costs longer than 3 months, conservation or regular start with warming up is required.
Should I change the oil if the car has been standing for a long time?
Yes, oil replacement after long idleness is desirable, even if the mileage was small, and the oil could accumulate oxidation products and condensate that got into the crankcase due to temperature changes.
Can I start the injection engine from the pusher after idleness?
Starting a modern injection car from a pusher is highly discouraged, and this can cause the catalyst, oxygen sensors and the engine control system to fail due to a malfunction of the operating algorithms.
Why does the oil pressure lamp burn after idleness?
If the lamp does not go out 5-10 seconds after starting, it can mean a critical oil level, a sensor malfunction or problems with the oil pump.
How often should you start a car if it is not used for a long time?
It is recommended to start the car at least once every 10 to 14 days, with the engine warmed to operating temperature, and the battery is charged from the generator, the best way to make short trips to charge the battery and stretch the knots.