Starting an Engine That Has Been Sitting a While?

#1

I have a 2007 Tayota Tacoma 4 cylinder that often sits unstarted for more than a week.

I’ve read equally valid sounding arguments as to the best way to start it up to reduce start-up wear after it has been parked for a while.

One school of thought is to temporarly disable the fuel injection by putting the accelerator to the floor, or else pulling the EFI fuse and cranking the engine until the oil pressure light goes out to get oil to everything before it is put under running load, and then starting it normally.

(This engine does rev to 1500 RPM automatically on start-up.)

The others say to just fire it up because the oil get circulated faster when it is running.

I need this little truck to last for a long time, and I don’t know which is best for it.



For what it’s worth, I do use synthetic oil and the OEM Toyota filters.



Please help?



Rob

#2

A week is not a long time at all. Just fire it up.

Putting the accelerator to the floor does nothing to disable the fuel injectors. Pulling the EFI fuse and cranking the engine just puts added wear and stress on the starter.

Kudos for your wanting to take good care of the vehicle. Keep fresh fluids and filters in it, keep taking care of it, and that vehicle will give you many, many happy years. My '89 Toyota 4-banger went 338,000 miles without major surgery…right up until a Hyundae hit it…

#3

If the oil for this motor is 5W-20 or 5W-30 then the oil circulates quickly and should minimize wear at start up. If you live in a cold climate you may consider an oil additive that “coats” the moving parts with a thin film of whatever the stuff is to reduce start up wear. Are these additives really effective? Probably not too much but the 5W oils are a must in areas were you get below freezing temps in the winter.

#4

OK. Thank, y’all.

Rob