warm up?

The GS normally got used about once a mouth but it's hardly been used.
how long do you guys run the engine up to temp and is it once a month ?
i heard sport mode off and not to rev the engine ?

you'll need to run an engine at least 20 minutes, or at least until it gets the oil (yes, oil) over waters boiling point. too much condensation otherwise, better not starting at all. YMMV.

thanks, I run the car yesterday for about 10 mins to get the temp up but obviously oil would have only got warm.

as the engine has a dry sump, i've heard you shouldn't leave them running like this for long periods without putting load on the engine. ?

The condensation is the thing to avoid. Just idling will not get it hot enough and water condenses in the crankcase and emulsifies in the oil. You are far better off not starting it in my opinion. Particularly in the depths of winter.

I run my lot with the air conditioning on for at least 10 minutes - stops the AC seals drying out, or so I’ve read. Also puts a bit of load on the engine. If the vehicle isn’t on “tyre trainers”, I run it around the yard a bit. This loads the engine and reduces the risk of ovalising the tyres from letting them sit on one spot for too long. All in all, it’s usually at least 20 minutes before I switch the motor off, having been distracted by something else needing attention in the garage or garden!
Interesting aside; canal boat owners often advise against running their diesels in neutral for any significant length of time as they believe it leads to glazing of the cylinder bores. Instead, they double up the mooring lines and put the engine into slow ahead while their main batteries recharge for a few hours. I wonder if this is just an issue with diesels? I don’t think we would ever leave a car engine idling for long enough to matter anyway.
If the car is in winter storage, I finish by topping up the fuel tank with petrol (plus stabiliser) to minimise condensation.
And repeat fortnightly.

Zep said:

The condensation is the thing to avoid. Just idling will not get it hot enough and water condenses in the crankcase and emulsifies in the oil. You are far better off not starting it in my opinion. Particularly in the depths of winter.

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Condensation is an issue.

It emulsified as you say but if you don’t run it, the condensation sits on top of metal parts and will start eating into it if left.

Damned if you do, damned if you dont

If you want to go obsessive on this, start it monthly then drop the oil in the spring would seem sensible

thanks guys. what do you do Matt with Strad ?

did some googling and seems the ferrari/lambo crowd have asked the same question, some seemed more concerned about tyres. the cost of tyres compared to engine repair, hmmm.....
anyhoo, overall the responses were as Matt said do but don't or as Boris would say; do but don't, you should do it but don't and leave it.

also found an article from guys with boats, as Zep said not to run them and even drain the fuel tank.

maybe back to taking her out for a spin.

Mine has to live out side and I make a point of using it, even in worst winter months there are days when I can get out and about.
You can’t beat keeping everything moving.

EnzoMC said:

thanks guys. what do you do Matt with Strad ?

did some googling and seems the ferrari/lambo crowd have asked the same question, some seemed more concerned about tyres. the cost of tyres compared to engine repair, hmmm.....
anyhoo, overall the responses were as Matt said do but don't or as Boris would say; do but don't, you should do it but don't and leave it.

also found an article from guys with boats, as Zep said not to run them and even drain the fuel tank.

maybe back to taking her out for a spin.

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Don’t worry about it. Start it when I need it, give it a run when I remember.

Garage it I say that way it reduces the chance of moisture anyway.

The thing I do is regularly open the double garage door and back door and let the wind blow through. And don’t ever put a wet car in a garage and close it up. It will stay wet for weeks