winter start ups while in storage?

goutoe · January 17, 2016, 08:49:54 AM

In the past I have started my bus on nice days over the winter months I usually let it run for a half hour or so, then I saw posts saying if your not going to run it down the road its best not even to start it at all,I do keep a battery minder on it but haven't started it for about 3 months, what do you guys do?>>>> John

buswarrior · January 17, 2016, 09:27:52 AM

Maintain batteries via battery minder, if plug available. Perhpas a small solar rig if not?

It it's hard to put back the power used to start it, so that is a challenge.

An occasional start and run to operating temp in the off season isn't going to harm anything.

There are always cylinders exposed to the air that you'd like to freshen up the oil film, throttle linkages to move, air valves to mainipulate, brake shoes stuck to drums, etc etc etc

Stuff gets stuck in old buses if they don't get moved once in a while.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Jon · January 17, 2016, 09:51:42 AM

This is just my opinion and it is based solely on my ownership of a Prevost.

My coach does not do well if it sits for extended periods. I have no concern about not running the engine but my coach has a large number of spool valves and other types of vales in the pneumatic system and they should be exercised occasionally. The only way to do that is to get it out on the road and let all the valves move as intended. In doing that I am also bringing the engine, transmission and differential up to operating temperature also.

Unless I can be assured of getting the engine and related components fully up to temperature I am better off not running it because of the concern I have about accumulated moisture not having a chance to be driven off by the heat.

bevans6 · January 17, 2016, 10:14:59 AM

I don't start mine all winter. I don't start it unless I have to move it, to be honest. I keep the batteries charged and in the spring I run it long enough to get the oil hot at least. Sitting six or seven months doesn't hurt it at all, as far as my experience goes.

Brian

Emcemv · January 17, 2016, 10:43:07 AM

This is one area I go against conventional wisdom, I start mine a couple of times over the winter, just did that yesterday. I put it on fast idle and get it fully up to temperature. I know I should drive it more, for the last year we have been fighting the old tire problem, just can't seem to swing the $4000 for new tires. I've been whining about the tires for too long, just got to bite the bullet and do it. I also cover ours for the winter, I bought a 20x40 good tarp and I put down a smaller fully waterproof one first over all the openings in the roof and then put the big one on, covering all the way down below the Windows.

HB of CJ · January 17, 2016, 10:53:08 AM

About one hour once a month should do it. Drive her hard, weather permitting. We would go to the Pacific Coast and back. Work the brakes hard. Make sure your tranny and diff. oil temps come up a little. Try to get to 120F engine oil pan temp, 180F water temp. Worked for us. Also fun to walk on the beach.

Iceni John · January 17, 2016, 11:02:54 AM

During the winter (such as we have in SoCal) I'm inclined to drive the bus more frequently than during the summer, to prevent the damp weather causing corrosion problems. I take it up the coast for a 45 minutes trip every month or so, just far enough that everything gets up to temperature and the start batteries are fully recharged. I also always keep the fuel tank completely full to reduce the possibility of condensation inside the tank which can encourage the growth of black nasties in the fuel.

Even at fast idle my engine thermostats won't open, and the transmission and tires aren't exercised at all, so I agree that just idling a bus isn't useful.

John

goutoe · January 17, 2016, 12:31:33 PM

Interesting posts on this subject, I guess my best option is to get the bus out and run it down the road when possible, not always an option because of snow, but so far this winter I could get it out, I will try to plan a road trip, thanks for your advice >>>>> John.

Purplewillie · January 17, 2016, 12:46:55 PM

Our 8v71 sits for 4 plus months thru the winter. Full rv cover on it .
It doesn't get real cold here (bounces between freezing and several degrees above freezing ), but we do get lots of wet snow .
I keep it plugged in to float the house batteries and float charger on the start batteries as well.
I also keep two electric heaters on inside it .
Even in the summer we only start it to use it
Mark

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