2003 — Leaving Winter hibernation

[rhgiesen]

Time to get your bird out of storage.

If needed charge your Battery:
Do not charge your battery when it is connected to the car’s electrical system (both cables off).
1. Disconnect both terminals
2. Attach charger.
3. Charge to 100%
4. Remove charger
5. Attach battery cables.
(I place a white paint pen mark on the + terminal and + cable before attaching. Just a second verification to prevent module destruction and possible fires).
Note: verify battery venting hose is connected to the battery vent connection point.

Pre-lube your engine.
1. Key on engine off.
2. Place transmission in Neutral.
3. Gas firmly to the floor. Do not lift.
4. Turn the key to start.
Hold key with starter running for 7 seconds
Engine will crank but not have fuel or ignition.
You are building oil pressure to prevent dry cams, cylinders, and bearings.

My personal preference is to wait 2 min and do 1-4 again.

Check all fluids replace as needed.

Check the tires and tire pressure.

Use a gas line/injector cleaner

Fill your tank.

If my 03 Thunderbird sits for longer than 2 weeks I do a pre-oil. Also know as pressurize the system before starting.


Get Out and Drive.

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[T-BirdTom]

Thanks RHG,
I'd heard the Ford engines could be "pre-lubed" with your technique. It seems to be very important for preserving the integrity of the variable cam adjusters from what others have said. I heard they get 'noisy' if they are fully drained and not pre-lubed with the cranking technique.

I popped the center cap off my front wheel to see if the front wheel bearing is accessible for lubrication. There isn't a traditional grease cap. I looked through the owner manual and service manual and neither seems to show access. I was going to repack the bearings with new, Molybdenum grease, but it doesn't look like that's a traditional tapered roller bearing and cap. Has anyone done this and have any suggestions? This was on my End of Hibernation "To Do" list.
Thanks in advance,
Tom