So my mini has been sitting since January, and I'm only a little over 2 months away from getting to fire it back up again. I'd like to circulate some oil before I fire it up, but I'm not sure of the best way to do it. I seem to remember that some ignition systems dont' like to be cycled without discharging a spark, but I wasn't sure if that's the case with the R53. Can I just unplug the wires from the coil pack? unplug the coil pack at the back? Should I pull the plugs and leave them in the wires? Am I being ridiculous and should just start the car and go?

I'm definitely over thinking this, but it's way more fun to think about than intestinal pathology...

 

I am wondering whether the oil pump must be turning a certain value in order for the oil to be picked up and forced through the engine. The question is whether simple cranking by the starter will do this.

Those with a true oil pressure gauge and not an idiot light might be able to see if pressure is developed during starter crank.

 

My brother just tore down his engine, new timing chain, sump, etc. started right up after. Id just say start it. When its cold, tolerances are a bit slack and I cant imagine any real harm would come to an engine for the 10 seconds it takes to get oil circulating.

I wonder if pulling wires, etc, would throw a code? Something to ponder.

 

Drain the oil and pour it back in through the filler cap? Should get to most places on the way through.

James

 

pull fuel pump fuse

 

The other issue to remember is that the starter is a high amp motor so it gets hot. I have seen the brush leads burn up due to overcranking.

 

I recently replaced my turbo and feed line and needed to prime the system before starting. Although a different engine from my '12, I just pulled the plugs on each coil and cranked for about 5 seconds. Oil came up very quickly. Let it sit for a minute and then started right up.

 

Yes. It has already sat since January. Another 2 months won't make a bit of difference.

 

As the OP mentioned, it may not be a good idea to unplug the spark plugs. If you must do it, unplugging the coilpack at the low voltage side would be a better choice to not risk frying the ECU.

If it were me, 2 months should not be a concern. I will just start it, but not to rev it for say 1/2 minute.

 

awesome, I'll probably just start it, just to clarify, though I don't think it makes a difference, it will have been sitting for nearly 12 months when I get back to it.

 

If it had oil in it when you parked it, just starting it will be OK. If you've just rebuilt it with new bearings, generally you spray assembly lube on the bearing journals... it's high in dry lubricants like lithium or molybdenum disulfide, so the engine can turn without damage in the few seconds before oil is pumped up from the sump. It'll be fine... just crank it over.

Scott