Starting a car after 6 months idle

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Hi All,

My 6.9 has sat in the garage for about 6 months without being started. The suspension is down on all 4's and the battery is flat.

It was serviced just before Christmas and a new battery was fitted, so hopefully it will charge ok.

Are there any specific precautions I should take starting an M100 after being idle for some months?

 

[Oversize]

Watch out for cam lobe rust, but maybe unlikely if in a warm climate after a shortish period.

Pull the plugs & add a little oil to each cylinder. Crank with plugs out & fuel pump /ignition disconnected until you get oil pressure. Reinstall plugs & start on a few cap fulls of 2 stroke mix.

Drain the fuel tank, change the filter & add fresh fuel. Disconnect fuel feed st divider & run pump until fresh fuel comes out. Clean fuel screen, reassemble & you’re away!

 

[Oversize]

Oh check for chain stretch while you have the rocker covers off...

 

[abl567]

I'd say just start it, it's 6 months not years. I've left my 6.3 for that long and it's started with no problem. M100's are pretty much bomb proof.
They also don't have the cam chain tensioner issues M116 and M117 do.

 

[Oversize]

If you choose to be pedantic I’d turn it over by hand a couple of times before cranking by the starter...

 

[Michel]

I'd say just start it, it's 6 months not years. I've left my 6.3 for that long and it's started with no problem. M100's are pretty much bomb proof.
They also don't have the cam chain tensioner issues M116 and M117 do.

I’m with Ant.
Start away and after it’s warm take it for a decent drive.
It should also get up slowly, but certainly within 5 minutes.

Let us know how you go

 

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It actually started quite easily. I had to replace the battery because it would not charge, so yesterday I replaced it and put some fresh fuel, but other than that I turned the key and it fired into life. I didn't see how long it took for the suspension to come up - I just left it to idle for a few minutes, came back and it was up.

The fun began when I put it into reverse and it didn't move. A litre of gearbox oil later to replace the puddle on the floor and it drives again.

 

[Michel]

The amazing resilience of a good 6.9

 

[Oversize]

Great news! Drive n enjoy!!