How Often Do You Start Up Your Motor Vehicle To Lube the Seals?

I try to get out and fire up the spark ignition engine every 2 - 3
weeks but I've gone months without any ill effects. In fact, a couple
years ago the 300,000+ mile OHC four banger blew a head gasket and I
didn't bother draining the salty water obtained from a canal out of
the cylinders and oil pan for 8 months. It was easier to cycle to
work. Apparently the rust on the valves wasn't an issue with the
machinist. It took another 10 months after that to get an opportunity
to check out the gas mileage. The $166 valve job had in fact improved
the mileage from 25 to 27 mpg.


Bret Cahill

On Jan 5, 8:24*pm, Bret Cahill wrote:
I try to get out and fire up the spark ignition engine every 2 - 3
weeks but I've gone months without any ill effects. *In fact, a couple
years ago the 300,000+ mile OHC four banger blew a head gasket and I
didn't bother draining the salty water obtained from a canal out of
the cylinders and oil pan for 8 months. *It was easier to cycle to
work. *Apparently the rust on the valves wasn't an issue with the
machinist. *It took another 10 months after that to get an opportunity
to check out the gas mileage. *The $166 valve job had in fact improved
the mileage from 25 to 27 mpg.

Bret Cahill

You don't need to turn over the engine to wet the seals. An engine
can sit for years without trouble. Just turn it over by hand, take
the plugs out and turn a drivewheel, until there's oil getting to the
valves. Turn it over on the starter to get good oil pressure. Put
the plugs back in, after checking they are clean and properly gapped,
and start the engine. Get the engine hot at 1/4 max rpm and run for a
further 20 minutes, checking for leaks. If all is well, leave for
another 4 years. Biggest problem is maintaining the battery, which
will need recharging approximately every six months, but its not
necessary to run the engine, use a home charger.

I try to get out and fire up the spark ignition engine every 2 - 3
weeks but I've gone months without any ill effects. *In fact, a couple
years ago the 300,000+ mile OHC four banger blew a head gasket and I
didn't bother draining the salty water obtained from a canal out of
the cylinders and oil pan for 8 months. *It was easier to cycle to
work. *Apparently the rust on the valves wasn't an issue with the
machinist. *It took another 10 months after that to get an opportunity
to check out the gas mileage. *The $166 valve job had in fact improved
the mileage from 25 to 27 mpg.

Bret Cahill

You don't need to turn over the engine to wet the seals. *An engine
can sit for years without trouble. *Just turn it over by hand, take
the plugs out and turn a drivewheel, until there's oil getting to the
valves. *Turn it over on the starter to get good oil pressure. *Put
the plugs back in, after checking they are clean and properly gapped,
and start the engine. *Get the engine hot at 1/4 max rpm and run for a
further 20 minutes, checking for leaks. *If all is well, leave for
another 4 years. * Biggest problem is maintaining the battery, which
will need recharging approximately every six months, but its not
necessary to run the engine, use a home charger.

It also prolongs battery life keeping it indoors, out of extreme heat
or cold.


Bret Cahill