checklist for winter storage
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
checklist for winter storage
the car has been put away for the winter. ya, it's a bit early, but my truck hasn't moved in 5 months and i felt sorry for it so the car is in the carport for the winter. anyways, here's what i've done. feel free to add or make any suggestions as i am curious to see what others do for storage.
- fuel stabilizer in the gas tank with a full tank of fuel to avoid condensation.
- rags in the tailpipes to keep rodents out.
- baking soda in an open container in the car to prevent mold.
- tires inflated to 45psi to prevent flat spotting.
- wax job and car cover for protecting the paint.
do you think the battery should be removed from the car? i was planning on leaving it in with the alarm on and then charging it once a month. also, i've heard that unless the car is going to idle for a half an hour or more, that it's better for it not to be started at all. is this true? thanks as always!
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- fuel stabilizer in the gas tank with a full tank of fuel to avoid condensation.
- rags in the tailpipes to keep rodents out.
- baking soda in an open container in the car to prevent mold.
- tires inflated to 45psi to prevent flat spotting.
- wax job and car cover for protecting the paint.
do you think the battery should be removed from the car? i was planning on leaving it in with the alarm on and then charging it once a month. also, i've heard that unless the car is going to idle for a half an hour or more, that it's better for it not to be started at all. is this true? thanks as always!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: checklist for winter storage (SizzleChest)
Add:
1) Cut 2 bars of Irish Spring Bath Soap into quarters and place in car interior to keep rodents out. (They don't like the odor)
2) Shoulld change oil and filter before storage........minimize those nasty acids in oil that can do damage to a stored engine.
3) If possible, I'd unhook battery ground cable, and hook up one of those small 'trickle' type battery 'minders / tenders' which keep battery charged but will not overcharge the battery.........can be purchased for around $20 or less.
4) Clean interior, which I assume you did.
5) Cover tires / wheels, if being stored outside where exposed to the sun.
1) Cut 2 bars of Irish Spring Bath Soap into quarters and place in car interior to keep rodents out. (They don't like the odor)
2) Shoulld change oil and filter before storage........minimize those nasty acids in oil that can do damage to a stored engine.
3) If possible, I'd unhook battery ground cable, and hook up one of those small 'trickle' type battery 'minders / tenders' which keep battery charged but will not overcharge the battery.........can be purchased for around $20 or less.
4) Clean interior, which I assume you did.
5) Cover tires / wheels, if being stored outside where exposed to the sun.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: checklist for winter storage (Swamp Thang)
damn, say it ain't that time of year already :cry
John's #3 - or pull the battery and store in warm place - charging occasionally.
I used to lose my battery every year due to cold storage without charging.
Thank goodness for prorata warranties - got a new one each spring for about $10.
I don't think that the baking soda will do much more than absorb odors.
The mold may (and probably will) still grow if there is moisture.
If you start her up periodically, you should let the engine reach full operating
temperature. This forces the moisture that gets pushed and pulled into the engine to evaporate.
45lbs in the tires to keep 'em round ? Huh - that's my new thing that I
learned today. Thanks.
:seeya
[Modified by Daves_rusty_75, 3:09 PM 9/12/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: checklist for winter storage (SizzleChest)
I would say it is very early for British Columbia! If you take the battery out, do not put it on a concrete floor. Store on wood such as 3/4" plywood. Believe me....
Safety Car
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,938
Likes: 0
From: Western MA
Re: checklist for winter storage (SizzleChest)
Fall is best for cruising. However, I think desicant will help with mold/moisture. I also think steel wool in tail pipes might be better than rags so long as its not too damp. :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 13,858
Likes: 0
From: A 12/8 man in a 4/4 world
Re: checklist for winter storage (SizzleChest)
a local corvette restorer recommends one of those shake-n-bake car bags that come with a desicant. really keeps the moister out. he states the go around $200 US. another tire tip.... get some cheap styrofoam, like cooler lids and sides.... trim them down you about a foot square and a few inches thick.... jack the car up... place the styrofoam under the tires... the styrofoam both insulates against the cold concrete and molds to the shape of the tires.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
Re: checklist for winter storage (Got79Fever)
OK, I have to say it. What is winter storage? We don't have that down here in Texas or generally in the south. :lol: Sorry couldn't resist, don't shoot me. :D
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
Re: checklist for winter storage (LT1driver)
OK, I have to say it. What is winter storage? We don't have that down here in Texas or generally in the south. :lol: Sorry couldn't resist, don't shoot me. :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC, Canada
Re: checklist for winter storage (SizzleChest)
If your not planning on running the engine for several months, I would drain the carb and blow the fuel lines out with air. Also but a plastic bag over the carb once dry.
