GoKart

So with all the cold weather, snow, road sand, etc here in CO, my 964 has been sitting in my garage since early November.

Today, it's supposed to be "warm"... Approx mid-40's.

Is it worth starting it and leaving it sit and idle, and get up to operating temp that way?

Or is it better left to sit until I can actually drive it?

Thanks!!

Norse_man

Often wondered this. I plan on taking my for a drive in winter months as long as there is no rain or snow. But when it's bad weather wondered if I should start it once every couple of weeks and let it idle for 30 minutes or so

crg53

Only start it if you intent to drive it. If you worry about it sitting too long without oil circulating through the engine, pull the DME relay and crank it until you get oil pressure. If you store your car for the winter, change the oil before you put it to sleep.

Mixter

^^+1 good advice.

bw-porsche

I would say to start it at least once every couple of weeks, and if you can't drive it just get it outside and let it idle for a good while. At least then you will know that most everything is working! I left mine for a couple of months over winter, tried to start it and it wouldn't start all. Eventually found out (after getting it transported to where I get it serviced) that the flywheel sensor was toast. So that's my advice!

GoKart

I'm thinking it's good practice to at least start it every once in a while and let it get nice and hot, so that the seals can experience the heat cycles and the oil can circulate through the engine. Better than not starting it at all for ~4 months in my case.

crg53

Your failed flywheel sensor has nothing to do with storage procedure, just an unfortunate event.
If you goggle "winter storage" you will find that most "experts" will disagree with what you are recommending, mostly because of the condensation that forms in the engine after you shut it down. That condensation is what causes corrosion, the ONE thing you do NOT want. Cranking the engine with no ignition, is by far the best way to go.

porsche mania

As crg53 says above, that would be my advice!

Jjm4life

I Left mine in a heated storage facility. It's a non distinct building an hour from Boston with security cameras in an equally unassuming area. In fact a few other rennlisters cars are tucked away there too. I Added stabil at the last fill up a few miles before getting to the garage so it could work its way through the fuel system. When I arrived I Over Inflated the tires and hooked it up to a battery tender. Won't start it until I'm ready to take her home.

Set it and forget it.

FeralComprehension

It was dry today, so I drove it 200 miles. My 8yo son liked it even on the highway and agreed that it was pretty much fun in the shape of a car. We came out of a rest area near the top of third with goofy smiles on our faces.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Don't start the engine unless you plan on driving long enough to get the oil up to full operating temperature for 20 minutes or longer. Starting a cold engine requires a rich fuel mixture and that dilutes the oil unless its at temperature long enough to burn out the condensation and unburned fuel in the oil. Accelerated wear occurs when engines are not warmed up sufficiently and driven for awhile.

Just keep the battery full charged and hopefully you changed the oil & filter before winter storage.

Jjm4life

Just out of curiously, why is an oil change necessary prior to storage?

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

This helps prevent corrosion on bearing as as well as on ferrous surfaces due to condensation and oil contamination after driving all summer.

I change oil & filters, then crank the engine (DME relay removed) to get oil pressure that coats everything with clean oil.

bgiere

Do not start it...does a lot more harm than good...Introduces moisture into exhaust, engine, etc. Idling your car will not get it up to full operating temp...Totally unnecessary, the car will be absolutely fine without starting !

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Perfect & accurate advice!!!