Date: Sun, 8 Dec 2019 13:20:01 -0500
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Periodically starting Vanagon(?)
In-Reply-To: <CAFdLW6k1zBOE59D747NkaWHVyZMoPDf_vjtbeJc50E-VziUtPg@mail.gmail.com>
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Hi Bruce,
Because I’m blind and like to work on my van I was tempted to start it often and move it around a bit as I played with it. On my 84 years ago I would do this often and loved starting it to listen to it run or just move it a bit off and on ramps , or change the position in the driveway.
One day I went to change the oil, and it fell out of the engine like water. So thin. I learned from this list so many years ago that my practice of short runs was filling the oil with gas.
I now do everything possible to not start the van unless I’m going to take it for a ride. Still sometimes it just has to start to move a bit and so be it.
My recommendation as someone that has long times between runs is, keep the gas tank full and use non ethanol gas when possible. Use a stabilizer as well to get rid of water. Keep the batteries on trickle chargers. Wen possible take the van for trips as it is so much healthier when it gets to run regularly and not sit.
I always tried to take my van for a ride before the end of the fall season and get it out once the salt is washed off the road. In between I try to not start the van.
this list is full of great advice and this info is my plan based on what I’ve learned over the years.
I’ve never had another experience where my oil is thin, Always thick now at changing time.
Best,
Eric Caron
85 GL Westfalia
> On Dec 8, 2019, at 1:01 PM, Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> I'd think leave it like that and not starting it till you're or it's ready
> for a drive of at least 20 mile so it will be well oiled and all the
> moisture in the engine/exhaust be gone. I read it somewhere it's not good
> to start for a few minutes and shut it down.
>
> On Sun, Dec 8, 2019 at 9:55 AM Bruce Todd <beeceetee@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hi listers - like many of you I have noticed the reduction in email traffic
>> over the past several months. Anyway - I have a question in relation to my
>> van (86 Westy Syncro) currently parked in my carport - in Vancouver BC with
>> our Pacific Northwest winter climate. I am not driving it currently given
>> it is not insured and I am waiting for some body work to be completed. It
>> has relatively clean oil in it and the fuel level is just above reserve -
>> so relatively empty. I occasionally check the battery voltage and charge
>> when required.
>>
>> Should I turn the motor by hand at all - or start it and run it for a
>> period - or just leave it be? As stated it is not insured so I can't
>> really drive it anywhere under load.
>>
>> Thanks for your advice.
>>
>> Bruce
>>
