On Thursday, October 16, 2003, at 10:00  PM, Automatic digest processor
wrote:

> Date:    Thu, 16 Oct 2003 19:48:41 EDT
> From:    Dustin Fitch <DSF70@AOL.COM>
> Subject: Re: Vanagon Storage
My thinking on starting it and letting it run would be to let it run
for a
good bit, like 30 minutes at idle.  Would that be bad for it as well ya
think?
Perhaps I could run it for less time but keep the rpms up to around
1800 to
not only heat 'er up but get better circulation in the process?  If
so.....twice
a month would suffice you think?

The important thing is to drive off any internal condensation in the
sump and the exhaust if possible. Remember to open the garage at both
ends.

While you're there, pump the brakes and clutch a few times to
"exercise" the components. Also the shifter. I once had a Peugeot 504
shifter rust solid in the 1-2 plane in storage. Made it vary hard to
drive, especially backwards.

My Buddy, who has a fleet of vehicles including an MGA, AH BJ7,
Modified (hot!)Sprite, Hot Mini Cooper, Chrysler 300G and a porsche
powered Loaf Westy makes a point of driving each at least once a month
year round. This is in Edmonton Alberta where it does get cold and we
do get snow. As long as the roads are dry he takes them for a run to
exercise their joints and exorcise their devils. That it's fun too
helps!

Bottom line, vehicles were made to be driven, not stored. Use em or
lose em, to unnecessary repairs. (At least emulate use as described
above)
Cheers