22 replies to this topic

[Stevie Dubyah]

Hi all,

 

I've had a series of unpleasant back operations over the last three years as well as a heck load of travel for work which meant I had to SORN the car.

 

I reversed the car into the garage, covered it over (Easter 2016) and have never touched it since.

 

I'm about to re-commission it (well, as soon as the weather turns) as I miss it so. Had a peek under the cover this weekend and the tyres are all still fully inflated and it looks OK generally.

 

Couple of questions, if I may:

 

Most important - Any sage words on what to do before hitting the starter button (new battery aside, obviously)? It's SC, so do I need to do anything with that?

 

I intend to fit the new ARB and shocks I bought from MB in a GB before the back gave out. I'll probably replace the hubs as the ABS light was a bit uppity before I stored her, so I'll probably also fit new discs, pads and drop links.

Are CL5+ in favour?

Are lightened discs worth getting - road only use? (it had 1144s on with Brembo discs, but I never really loved the pedal feel).

 

I might actually finally get round to sending the wishbones off for new bushes and a bit of a spruce up.

 

I googled this stuff, but there seems to be a bit* of contrary information, especially on brakes.

 

Maybe then I'll get an Essex/Norfolk meet going... relive the glory days. It'd be nice to reconnect with some of the old gang (assuming they are still here).

 

Thank you all in advance

 

Steve

 

* understatement

 

[Nev]

The most important thing to do is get the oil pressure up before firing it up. Do this by taking the 4 plugs out and turn it over with the starter for 30 seconds.

 

Also, when driving it go easy with the accelerator as your fuel will have broken down and you might get pinking.

Edited by Nev, 23 February 2018 - 10:06 AM.

[Rosssco]

Just do some basic checks before start up, such as oil level (turn it over a few times with the coil pack disconnected), fresh / fully charged battery.

 

SC is a sealed unit like the gearbox and shouldn't bring any concerns.

 

You don't need to do the modifications, but once up and running, you could be thorough and get a fluid and filter service (esp. oil and brake fluids), fresh fuel, and drive it. If its been sitting in a dry garage, then its shouldn't be too bad. Once up and running you can determine if you need new brakes, tyres etc.

[Ormes]

When bringing mine back after 18 months of sitting dormant on a battery conditioner with no starts, I did the following:

 

-Checked all fluid levels and air in tyres etc.

 

-Changed oil and filter (clearly did this cold).  I've been led to believe that oil filters can degrade and break up over time but not sure of the truth in this.

 

-Remove fuse for fuel pump (in the boot) and remove connector to coil pack, then turned it over for around 1 minute.

 

-Put it back together and start her up and run for 20 minutes or so, check for oil leaks from dry seals etc.

 

-Changed oil again soon after.

 

[Di3sel]

As you mentioned bushes, my car was sorn for 6 years but the bushes are still in good condition.

[Stevie Dubyah]

Thank you everyone.

 

Getting a bit of oil pressure by cranking over with fuses or coil pack off is a really good call.

 

I will certainly be getting the car serviced and MOT'd as soon as it's running.

 

@Rosssco - I have the ARB and shocks and I want to change the brakes and have a bit of a suspender refresh  - something I've been meaning to do for an age. It's just that I genuinely couldn't get down on the ground to do the work (or lower myself into the cockpit, for that matter) so I couldn't.

 

If anyone has suggestions on the best place to buy, I'm all ears.

 

I do recommend anyone thinking of getting rid of the VX to lay it up for a while to see how much of a hole it leaves in your soul.

I honestly think if I'd sold it (I had more than a few, mostly unsolicited, enquiries) I'd be living with deep, gnawing regret that would ultimately have lead to a new Exige... and that would have made me no better that Rob or Joe, and that would never do.

Edited by Stevie Dubyah, 23 February 2018 - 11:05 AM.

[Ormes]

When bringing mine back after 18 months of sitting dormant on a battery conditioner with no starts, I did the following:

 

-Checked all fluid levels and air in tyres etc.

 

-Changed oil and filter (clearly did this cold).  I've been led to believe that oil filters can degrade and break up over time but not sure of the truth in this.

 

-Remove fuse for fuel pump (in the boot) and remove connector to coil pack, then turned it over for around 1 minute.

 

-Put it back together and start her up and run for 20 minutes or so, check for oil leaks from dry seals etc.

 

-Changed oil again soon after.

 

 

Forgot one, as Nev said... fuel... this was actually my biggest concern but thankfully, had only left 1/4 of a tank in... watered down the rubbish with new shell super before starting.

[siztenboots]

handbrake left on or off ? don't be surprised if there is a bang from the pads releasing off the disc.

 

fresh oil in the top of the engine , coat all the cams let in soak in.

 

I would change the oil as the water will have split to the bottom of the sump and you don't really want the pickup to use that.

 

gearchange cables might be a bit stiff especially in this cold weather, or worse need replacing.

[Stevie Dubyah]

handbrake left on or off ? don't be surprised if there is a bang from the pads releasing off the disc.

 

fresh oil in the top of the engine , coat all the cams let in soak in.

 

I would change the oil as the water will have split to the bottom of the sump and you don't really want the pickup to use that.

 

gearchange cables might be a bit stiff especially in this cold weather, or worse need replacing.

 

Handbrake was left off. I replaced the cable shortly before my back twatted, so I hope that'll be OK.

 

Hmmm. Maybe an oil change is in order. I didn't want to do this really, (maybe just new oil and leave the filter until the service) as next job is a service and MOT, but the water point is a good one.

 

The car didn't get cold as it was in the sealed garage, under a cover (and 3000 black sacks of clothes and kid's shite) and there is a small heat source in there. If the gear change is stiff I'll get the cables changed along with the 'box oil when it's serviced.

 

Can't remember how much petrol there was in it. I think I'll top up with good stuff also.

 

Cheers!

[dstarz7]

Maybe then I'll get an Essex/Norfolk meet going... relive the glory days. It'd be nice to reconnect with some of the old gang (assuming they are still here).

 

Thank you all in advance

 

Steve

 

Hi Steve, 

 

Would be great to get a regular Norfolk / East Anglia meet organised!

 

Dan

[rob999]

Im better than Joe. Lets get a Norfolk/Suffolk/Essex meet sorted 👍

[hairy]

@Rosssco - I have the ARB and shocks and I want to change the brakes and have a bit of a suspender refresh  - something I've been meaning to do for an age. It's just that I genuinely couldn't get down on the ground to do the work (or lower myself into the cockpit, for that matter) so I couldn't.

 

If anyone has suggestions on the best place to buy, I'm all ears.

 

Seriously Lotus or Elise Shop both good

[rob999]

@Rosssco - I have the ARB and shocks and I want to change the brakes and have a bit of a suspender refresh  - something I've been meaning to do for an age. It's just that I genuinely couldn't get down on the ground to do the work (or lower myself into the cockpit, for that matter) so I couldn't.   If anyone has suggestions on the best place to buy, I'm all ears.  Seriously Lotus or Elise Shop both good

Try Ann Summers for your suspender requirements...if thats all thats hampering your efforts in getting on the ground

[hairy]

 

@Rosssco - I have the ARB and shocks and I want to change the brakes and have a bit of a suspender refresh  - something I've been meaning to do for an age. It's just that I genuinely couldn't get down on the ground to do the work (or lower myself into the cockpit, for that matter) so I couldn't.   If anyone has suggestions on the best place to buy, I'm all ears.  Seriously Lotus or Elise Shop both good

Try Ann Summers for your suspender requirements...if thats all thats hampering your efforts in getting on the ground

 

 

Oh yes!!  

[Paulus H]

A friend of mine did exactly what you have done.

 

Immediately after waking the beast out of hibernation the crankshaft and block parted company due to bacteria in the oil filter causing the oil filter to break up and destroy essential bearings.

 

Or in simple terms trailer your pride and joy to a specialist or trusted professional and let them wake up your car out of hibernation safely.

 

Paul

[Stevie Dubyah]

 

@Rosssco - I have the ARB and shocks and I want to change the brakes and have a bit of a suspender refresh  - something I've been meaning to do for an age. It's just that I genuinely couldn't get down on the ground to do the work (or lower myself into the cockpit, for that matter) so I couldn't.   If anyone has suggestions on the best place to buy, I'm all ears.  Seriously Lotus or Elise Shop both good

Try Ann Summers for your suspender requirements...if thats all thats hampering your efforts in getting on the ground

 

 

The very thought makes me shudder.

I was one of the very few who silently celebrated the loss of Photobucket as it meant the spectre of "that" mankini picture was no more.

 

 

Thank you everyone for your insightful comments. I really appreciate it.

Wish me luck.  

[hairy]

 

 

@Rosssco - I have the ARB and shocks and I want to change the brakes and have a bit of a suspender refresh  - something I've been meaning to do for an age. It's just that I genuinely couldn't get down on the ground to do the work (or lower myself into the cockpit, for that matter) so I couldn't.   If anyone has suggestions on the best place to buy, I'm all ears.  Seriously Lotus or Elise Shop both good

Try Ann Summers for your suspender requirements...if thats all thats hampering your efforts in getting on the ground

 

 

The very thought makes me shudder.

I was one of the very few who silently celebrated the loss of Photobucket as it meant the spectre of "that" mankini picture was no more.

 

Yours or Slindborgs?  

[Stevie Dubyah]

 

 

 

@Rosssco - I have the ARB and shocks and I want to change the brakes and have a bit of a suspender refresh  - something I've been meaning to do for an age. It's just that I genuinely couldn't get down on the ground to do the work (or lower myself into the cockpit, for that matter) so I couldn't.   If anyone has suggestions on the best place to buy, I'm all ears.  Seriously Lotus or Elise Shop both good

Try Ann Summers for your suspender requirements...if thats all thats hampering your efforts in getting on the ground

 

 

The very thought makes me shudder.

I was one of the very few who silently celebrated the loss of Photobucket as it meant the spectre of "that" mankini picture was no more.

 

Yours or Slindborgs?  

 

Mine. You can't compare the two. 

Slindborg's picture was just sizzling with pure, visceral sex. Quite breathtaking.

Mine was just unsavoury.

[Rosssco]

A friend of mine did exactly what you have done.

 

Immediately after waking the beast out of hibernation the crankshaft and block parted company due to bacteria in the oil filter causing the oil filter to break up and destroy essential bearings.

 

Or in simple terms trailer your pride and joy to a specialist or trusted professional and let them wake up your car out of hibernation safely.

 

Paul

 

Never heard of that.. The crank exploded out of the block due to old oil..? Was this a VX / GM engine?

 

Or just do an oil change prior to start up if really concerned, and turn the engine over a few times to get fresh oil transferred around the engine / oil pressure up. Replace / check the oil filter condition. I don't know what a 'professional' would do differently...  

[CAHILL]

Hi Steve, Is your car a Turbo or N/A? If its a Turbo, check when your cam belt was last done as it my be due again. Good luck with the re-commissioning works Cahill