Starting my engine after a few months standing

[Mr Morris]

I've not started my car up since around the late September time (a mixture of cold weather and salty roads plus my aching hips and knees has meant it's been in the garage all this time).

I'm wanting to get it out soon to start doing a few bits before the warmer weather and was wondering if there is anything I should do before starting it? I read somewhere about taking the spark plugs out and putting some oil down them? Is there anything else I can do to help it before starting?

It's an 803cc by the way.

[Tom and Maria]

I wouldn't put oil down the spark plug holes. It is a good idea to spin the engine over for a few seconds to get the oil circulating before firing up, this'll be much easier for the starter motor if the plugs aren't in.

Tom

[mogbob]

The obvious one is to get your battery fully charged up, the night before, on your battery charger.
Make sure the main battery cables are clean and secure.
With all the cold damp weather around for the last few months,take the distributor cap off ( having note the order of the connections ) and dry off any moisture from inside the cap or spray with a little WD40.Wipe the HT leads themselves if they aren't clean.
Before you put the cap back on, you can spin the engine over to circulate the oil ,as suggested by Tom.
Replace the cap , leads and plugs and fire her up. If all was well in Septembe,r it shouldn't be a problem getting her going again.
Bob

[lambrettalad]

Best to take it for a little ride to warm it up ,rather than just start it and let it run,this also lets you know of any problems before you set out on the important runs

[bmcecosse]

DO put a little bit of engine oil down the bores before turning it over - and yes - spin it up on the starter with no plugs after putting the oil in - until the oil pressure light goes out and then keep going for another 5 to 10 seconds. Only then - pop the plugs in and crank it up. Of course - make sure the fuel pump is clicking away pumping fuel before you do anything else...You may need to clean the points.

[Dean]

Mine takes a while to start when it has been left over the winter.

But I know nothing has changed and it ran okay before it was laid up.

I just persevere with it and eventually she does fire up. I never get tempted to "mess", which could add a problem into the mix.