Advice needed - running engine during underbody resto
 

I am restoring/refinishing the underside of my car. This project includes cleaning, repairing undercoat, respraying undercoat and body color, refinishing suspension, rebuilding brakes plus lots of other tidy up items - you get the picture!

While this is happening I am conscious that my engine is sitting there unused - it's still in the car by the way. Because I am trying to do the resto around work, kids, etc it is likely that this project will take many weeks. I want to be able to start and run the engine so that it stays healthy.

I started the engine the other day although I learned straight away that the axles still turn slowly even with the car in neutral - no damage done thankfully... I have the trailing arms out but the axles are still on the gearbox. I was hoping to avoid separating the axle from the gearbox as I understand this means opening up the CV joint. I have used cable ties to hold the axles up.

I am reluctant to get in the car while it is on 4 jacks so that I can keep my foot on the clutch and therefore stop them spinning.

Is there a way I can stop the axles turning or do I need to think of another idea? I could potentially sit the axles in some sort of home made holder so they can spin freely but thought someone here will have the right answer for me.

When I do start it what is the best method ? ie. how long should i run for and how many rpm?

Might be really basic questions but I want to make sure I do it right.

Obligatory picture below..

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1278463371.jpg

If it's only going to be a few weeks don't worry about it. You really need to get it up to temp to burn off any moisture and that really can't be done properly on stands.

Those of us that store our toys for the winter typically do not start the engine unless we can drive it enough to get it up to normal temps.

Thanks for the reply - I might sleep a bit better now. By the way it's winter here at the moment in Aus.