Obsessive pre-drive routines

[David B.]

I admit it; I'm obsessive-compulsive and have a rather ridiculous lockstep routine that I go through before taking my '58 270 Duntov out for a cruise. Most of you guys would probably laugh if you saw me go through my drill, which includes (in strict order):

- uncovering the car
- raising the hood
- connecting the battery
- checking the oil level
- lowering the convertible top
- placing clean rags over the folded top's corners and frame to avoid contact with the seat covers and lid
- checking tire pressure
- eyeballing paint and chrome for smudges; cleaning, as needed
- eyeballing engine compartment for obvious snafus before closing hood
- checking under car for signs of unusual fluid leaks
- noting date and odometer mileage in my log
- checking mirrors for positioning
- setting choke with accelerator, then three pumps before starting engine (number of pumps needed varies with time between starts)

Then it's drive time!

This all takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on whether or not I find any problems (leaks, bug splatters, tires low, etc.)

Okay, I know that I'm sick and need help. How I envy those of you who can just jump in, turn the key, and blast off!

Nobody else here is as nuts as I am. Right?

Dave

[Tom H.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

Pretty typical routine I'd say. I don't keep a date and mileage log though.

[Tracy C.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

Any Pilot will tell your routine is quite normal....

tc

[Keith G.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

You forgot making the sign of the cross, so it starts.

[Pat M.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

Nobody else here is as nuts as I am. Right?

Dave

Surely not. (May I call you Shirley?) It would be much easier to count who among us is not as nuts as you.

[Gary W.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

Dave - I call you and raise you:
on my '67 L71:
- check coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and all hose/line connectins
- remove air cleaner to get better view of the carbs
- start engine & inspect for fuel leaks
- replace air cleaner
- check wheel starburst caps are secure
on my '65 L79
- same as above except check KO wheels are tight (I don't use lock pins)

And when going on longer runs, check spare tire pressure.......

yep, just as sick as the rest of you

Cheers
Gary

[David P.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

You forgot making the sign of the cross, so it starts.

LOL. My sign of the cross is for St Michael to keep the bad drivers away from my "sphere of influence".

[Keith B.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

I check the oil then take a quick glance under the car. Turn on the battery Then drive off Have to have a little fath in your handy work Seeing how my dad and I restored it.

[Ron L.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

I admit it; I'm obsessive-compulsive and have a rather ridiculous lockstep routine that I go through before taking my '58 270 Duntov out for a cruise. Most of you guys would probably laugh if you saw me go through my drill, which includes (in strict order):

- uncovering the car
- raising the hood
- connecting the battery
- checking the oil level
- lowering the convertible top
- placing clean rags over the folded top's corners and frame to avoid contact with the seat covers and lid
- checking tire pressure
- eyeballing paint and chrome for smudges; cleaning, as needed
- eyeballing engine compartment for obvious snafus before closing hood
- checking under car for signs of unusual fluid leaks
- noting date and odometer mileage in my log
- checking mirrors for positioning
- setting choke with accelerator, then three pumps before starting engine (number of pumps needed varies with time between starts)

Then it's drive time!

This all takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on whether or not I find any problems (leaks, bug splatters, tires low, etc.)

Okay, I know that I'm sick and need help. How I envy those of you who can just jump in, turn the key, and blast off!

Nobody else here is as nuts as I am. Right?

Dave

your list list doesn't disturb me. The fact your driving a car that's achieved Duntov however, does.

[John S.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

Ron
Surely you jest. I drive my Duntov car as much as I can. Just means I know everything works as it should. Now, as for a routine I walk around and look at tires, turn on the battery and go. Now I do check oil and coolant levels on a regular basis, just not every time before I go.

john

[Duke W.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

You forgot two important steps.

1. Remove the spark plugs and crank the engine until you see oil pressure on the gage. Then install plugs and start engine.

2. Change engine oil and filter and install a new air filter when you get back home from the drive.



In all seriousness such a "pre-flight" inspection is a good idea and mandatory in the aviation industry. I prefer checking oil when the engine is hot. Peering under the car to look for any evidence of fluid leakage should be sufficient assuming you check all fluid levels at least once per year and oil level at every fuel stop until you have a handle on the rate of oil consumption.

Duke

[Russ C.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

I should check the oil in my 62. I haven't done that the last 3-4 times I took it for a drive.

~12000 hours in my flight log taught me : air speed - altitude - brains. any two of those are needed to survive.

[Paul J.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

your list list doesn't disturb me. The fact your driving a car that's achieved Duntov however, does.

Dave hasn't visited this forum in almost a year (at least according to his profile). Maybe you should e-mail him if you want him to see your comments.

[Jorn J.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

Hi David and others!How can you drive without setting the Clock????????????? I'm pretty sure that you all do this too.Regards Jorn

[Walter F.]

Re: Obsessive pre-drive routines

One good thing in your favor is your not checking in your review mirror every 3 seconds to see if some one is following to close just in case you have to stop fast.