Hitchcocks Forum

I last had my C5 classic serviced in September 2019 (first service) drove it home 10 miles and put it away for winter with 340 miles on the clock, 3/4 quarters of a tank of fuel (stabilised) and brought the battery into the house for maintenance. I never touched it last year due to the pandemic and now want to recommission it ...

What is the best way to go about this?

Can I just tick the battery back on and act as if everything is Ok now or do I need to take it to the garage to have them look it over before I start it up?

All answers gratefully received ... Frank1ss1mo

I would check oil levels, tyre pressures, spin the wheels to make sure brakes have not seized on. Then fit the battery (the right way round) then fire it up, it may take a few times either on the button or kicker, I would then let it tick over for a while before revving it. Mine has been in much the same state as yours, but I've started it every couple of weeks and let it run for a couple of minutes. Taking it to a garage will cost and they will not do much more than above, besides how will you get it there?

Make sure you don't need a new battery. Unless kept charged on a regular basis they die quicker than most people think.

Agree with the other comments, it should fire up easily. Dont forget not to open the throttle when using the electric start, as its EFI no need to open the throttle.

I'd be tempted to kick it over a few times with the ignition off to start the oil moving.

I'd take the spark plug out and spin it over (ignition and fuel off) for about twenty seconds. That gives the starter motor less work to do than over compression. I'd then let it rest for a minute (let the starter motor cool a little) and repeat. Then put the plug back in and start it.

Obviously, you'd be better off using fresh fuel. If you can't get the old stuff out, just add 5 litres of fresh fuel.