Member Since: 27 Jun 2017
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 23
Storing a D4
Currently out in Spain and on arrival, 2 months ago, I put the D4 into storage to protect her from the passion of Spanish drivers
Yesterday, and I openly admit she was left longer than intended, I popped over to the storage and not only did she start first time, she also cruised up and down the AP7 without a blip.
To my question.
I have another two months before I head back to the UK; therefore, should I take her out for a spin each four weeks, more often; or leave her till I head back?
Thanks in advance as it would be great to hear your views.....
18th Nov 2017 4:41 pm
OJ
Member Since: 01 Oct 2017
Location: Loch Leven
Posts: 725
Seems to be ok if it was left for 2 months then fired up and ran ok, I’d probably want to take it out for a decent run once a week or more, is there anyway you can safely get a ctek charger left on to keep the battery maintenance charged while your away again.
OJ
18th Nov 2017 4:57 pm
mickx
Member Since: 27 Jun 2017
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 23
Unfortunately there is no option to leave a charger plugged in....
18th Nov 2017 5:02 pm
OJ
Member Since: 01 Oct 2017
Location: Loch Leven
Posts: 725
That’s a pity, D4 seemed to be ok after 2 months so I’d give it a good run before you leave to keep the battery charged up,
OJ
18th Nov 2017 5:11 pm
Hot Tub
Member Since: 15 Aug 2017
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 1071
What about a small solar panel to keep battery topped up?
18th Nov 2017 5:18 pm
mickx
Member Since: 27 Jun 2017
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 23
Considering she has gone eight weeks and started ok I am hopeful that I don’t need to worry too much about a battery keep-charge solution.
Am guessing temperature and current drain is not impacting charge too much; but of course I could be wrong.
Oil appropriately around the engine, tyres, electronics, etc are more of a concern and perhaps a weekly or monthly run is the right answer vs. leaving her for another straight eight weeks......
18th Nov 2017 5:25 pm
OJ
Member Since: 01 Oct 2017
Location: Loch Leven
Posts: 725
Hot Tub wrote:
What about a small solar panel to keep battery topped up?
good idea
18th Nov 2017 5:26 pm
Jetlag
Member Since: 11 Mar 2012
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 205
I work as an expat engineer around Africa on a 2 -3 month rotation at times. I have got the routine perfected, I simply disconnect the battery and she is good for a few months.
I have recently invested in 2 of these switches, 1 for my main battery and one for the secondary battery. Now instead of having to undo the positive terminals every time I simply flip a switch
Click image to enlarge
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25th Nov 2017 11:14 am
mickx
Member Since: 27 Jun 2017
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 23
cool solution
25th Nov 2017 11:18 am
mickx
Member Since: 27 Jun 2017
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 23
So after four months of being mainly sat in dusty storage (near Algorfa) I fired up the D4, took her for a wash, fuelled her up and hit the road for the UK.
An initial low battery warning on start-up (first time) has now stopped, and she never missed a beat over the 1500 KM.
What a car.........
6th Jan 2018 10:36 am
Utred
Member Since: 19 Nov 2017
Location: Northwest
Posts: 89
Surely having a metal switch connected directly to a battery isn’t a good idea?
8th Jan 2018 5:04 pm
Gazzdid
Member Since: 14 Nov 2017
Location: Cannock
Posts: 158
The metal of the switch will be separated from the circuit! In a similar way that you don't get an electric shock every time you turn your metal light switch on. That said it is worth noting you should have an appropriately sized inline fuse as close to the battery terminal as possible to prevent fire risk if anything goes wrong
9th Jan 2018 7:52 pm
Red Merle
Member Since: 30 Aug 2014
Location: Liskeard
Posts: 7438
incorrect information removed 2011 - 2015: 3 x FL2
2015 - 2017: 2 x D4
2017 to date: FFRR SDV8
2023 to date: FL2 as a second car
2021 to date: Hinckley built ‘14 Triumph Trophy 1200
2022 to date: Hinckley built ‘14 Triumph Trophy 1200 & sidecar!
(One of only two known to exist in the world!)
9th Jan 2018 8:13 pm
Space Cadet
Member Since: 05 Dec 2017
Location: Ingatestone
Posts: 266
I have installed very similar battery cut-offs on track-cars in the past, really good idea for protecting the battery, you can also get them with removable handles if you wanted any additional security.
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