After storage start up.

[embe560sl]

My 560Sl has been in winter storage for 6 months. I have not turned the motor over during that period. I thought in order to get the oil circulated a bit before firing up, I would disconnect the coil lead from the distributor and crank it over a few times before reconnecting. Does anyone see a potential problem with this to anything ?

[tecqboy]

Better to pull the fuse for the fuel pump. Avoids dumping unburned gas
down the cylinders.

[bwostosh]

And pull the spark plugs, spin until oil pressure peaks. or see oiling thru the oil filler cap.

[donbryce]

Make sure you ground the distributor lead, as not doing so will, I've read here, do major damage to your ignition components.

[dugald]

Originally Posted by donbryce

Make sure you ground the distributor lead, as not doing so will, I've read here, do major damage to your ignition components.

PAY HEED.
I found out the hard way that this is true. If you fail to ground the coil output, you are likely to fry your coil and the EZL. BIG BUCKS.

[donbryce]

I debated whether to start the engine and let it warm up, then change the oil, or change the oil first before starting. Mine too has been sitting since October, 1986 560SL. I was changing to Mobil 1 from 5W30 Quaker State.
I decided that, since I'd run a couple of bottles of Risilone through it, late last summer, it would be better to drain and change the oil before starting....why distribute dirty oil all through the engine, and it has had all winter to drain down to the sump. I don't know if this was the right decision, but it seems logical to me.

[embe560sl]

Changing the oil is a must do BUT it is highly recommended to change it before going into storage lock down. Old oil starts to go acidic or whatever after standing long periods, so I am told. Also, synthetic oil is again the preferred choice over regular 5/30. I have also been told by the same MB indy that there is nothing gained by turning the motor over at starter speed before firing up as the oil pump does not reach required pressure for full circulation? Is there anyone out there who disagrees with this?

[tecqboy]

My car gets "stored" for about 5 months through a cold winter. I change the oil before I start it in April, not when it goes into storage in November. I only put about 2500 miles on between oil changes. I use syn blended oil. My logic is that the oil does not go "acidic" just sitting in the engine for 5 months. Now I suppose that a person could drain the oil in November and let the engine sit without oil all winter to counter the acidic idea. But....I see no harm in high quality, low mileage oil sitting in the engine sump for only 5 months.

So in April, I change the oil, hook up the battery and start it up just like I would if it had been run all through the winter. The car is 20 years old and so far no problems with this approach.

[ctaylor738]

I would pull the fuel pump relay out (there is no fuse), crank in 10 second bursts until you have oil pressure, reinstall the relay, and let 'er rip. Go for a drive to get the oil good and hot, then change the oil and filter.

[embe560sl]

Well CTaylor, that sounds good advice and much safer than pulling the coil lead ...now, if you don't mind ...... where do I find this fuel pump relay? Thanks.

[ctaylor738]

It's above the fuse panel, you remove the passenger side under-dash panel to get to it. You can bring up a picture of it at Fastlane. IIRC, you need to undo a 10mm nut to take it out.

It may be easier to undo one of the wires at the fuel pump, back by the RR wheel.

[embe560sl]

Originally Posted by ctaylor738

It's above the fuse panel, you remove the passenger side under-dash panel to get to it. You can bring up a picture of it at Fastlane. IIRC, you need to undo a 10mm nut to take it out.

It may be easier to undo one of the wires at the fuel pump, back by the RR wheel.

If I had it home that would be no problem but it is in a commercial storage unit with no facilities etc. Would pulling out the fuse to the pumps work?

[ctaylor738]

There is no fuse, the relay is hard-wired to the battery.

On the passenger top inner fender, there is a large terminal where the main battery cable comes in. On one of the posts there is a sizeable red wire that goes to the relay. If you disconnect that wire, you will kill the power to the pump.

You don't want to just kill the spark and crank, because then you will get fuel in the cylinders with no spark. Just starting the car is preferable to that.

[embe560sl]

Originally Posted by ctaylor738

There is no fuse, the relay is hard-wired to the battery.

On the passenger top inner fender, there is a large terminal where the main battery cable comes in. On one of the posts there is a sizeable red wire that goes to the relay. If you disconnect that wire, you will kill the power to the pump.

You don't want to just kill the spark and crank, because then you will get fuel in the cylinders with no spark. Just starting the car is preferable to that.

Hi ChuckT, That sounds much easier...I will look into that when next down at the lock up. Your advise is much appreciated. Thank you.

[embe560sl]

Hi ChuckT,

I think I located the power box where you said. It has a hinged protector flap lid on it, right? It looks like this is a terminal box from the alternator to other parts. Is the red wire connection in here the one you are talking about? Thanks.