What happens? Winter storage question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
From: WInnipeg Mb
What happens? Winter storage question
My unintelligent dad decided to put the corvette away with out telling me first. He did not do anything to it besides drive it in the storage area, pull the battery, and put a cover on it. He did not put fuel stabilizer in it, did not change the oil before putting it away and i think the anitfreeze was only good until -20 or so. EERRRRRRRR...... Can this have any bad effects? Will i have to syphen the gas out when i take it out in the spring?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: What happens? Winter storage question (Justin79-L-82)
If the battery is stored indoors, just go down to Canadian Tire and get some gas stabilizer, drop it in and you will be OK.
[Modified by paul79, 6:29 PM 11/1/2002]
[Modified by paul79, 6:29 PM 11/1/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: What happens? Winter storage question (Justin79-L-82)
OK. But believe me you car needs it. You have -30C temps in Winnipeg and that gas additive is essential. Someone took the car somewhere and someone can get access to the gas fill cap.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Timmins ON
Re: What happens? Winter storage question (Justin79-L-82)
> I like to drive mine a "couple of K's" to get the stabilizer mixed AND ditributed into the fuel linesand float bowl...
> As for the oil change... I prefer to change when it goes in and comes out of storage... Just a preference, but one season won't kill the mill...
>The coolant (/antifreeze) is another story... I have heard stories about Portage and Main, and I don't want to be there!!!! I would beg, bribe, B&E into where your car is and get the protection up to at least -40C!!! That could be the worst thing about your situation....
You CAN siphon the fuel, the oil used oil can sit in the pan...
BUT Once your block freezes (cracks).... Your putting a looking for a new (ZZ4?) motor...
> As for the oil change... I prefer to change when it goes in and comes out of storage... Just a preference, but one season won't kill the mill...
>The coolant (/antifreeze) is another story... I have heard stories about Portage and Main, and I don't want to be there!!!! I would beg, bribe, B&E into where your car is and get the protection up to at least -40C!!! That could be the worst thing about your situation....
You CAN siphon the fuel, the oil used oil can sit in the pan...
BUT Once your block freezes (cracks).... Your putting a looking for a new (ZZ4?) motor...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
From: WInnipeg Mb
Re: What happens? Winter storage question (NorthVette)
I hate people who don't take care of cars (my dad) :mad I just put 3 grand into it this year. Hopefully the block cracks. He's got to learn a lesson. ANd i just got a new fuel pump this year as well. (probably becuase he has NEVER used fuel stabilizer since he got it 13 years ago. Plus, i've always wanted a crate engine :D
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Re: What happens? Winter storage question (Justin79-L-82)
Relax.
I can't believe the stories people keep circulating about needing fuel stabilizers! What do they base their opinions on? Gasoline is good for AT LEAST 6 months sitting in a tank before it starts to degrade and even then it won't cause harm to an engine. It WAS NOT the cause of your fuel pump going bad.
If you really think the temperature will drop below the freezing point of your antifreeze, do something about that, otherwise just relax and wait for spring.
I can't believe the stories people keep circulating about needing fuel stabilizers! What do they base their opinions on? Gasoline is good for AT LEAST 6 months sitting in a tank before it starts to degrade and even then it won't cause harm to an engine. It WAS NOT the cause of your fuel pump going bad.
If you really think the temperature will drop below the freezing point of your antifreeze, do something about that, otherwise just relax and wait for spring.
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Re: What happens? Winter storage question (paul79)
Disagree! Very much so. I have seen the gas additives become a pink goo in months of storage. Plug up carb jets very nicely.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 922
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Re: What happens? Winter storage question (Mike Ward)
Worst case if you don't use the stabilizer is that you have to pull the carb in the spring and clean it out. I've seen motorcycle carbs messed up because of not using any. It's best to run the motor to get some in the carb first. Not that big a deal though.
Agree with the anti-freeze issue. I'd try to double-check it. If you have to drain some out in a hurry you could probably pull the lower rad hose. Replenish with very high percentage mixture (80%) and don't worry about bleeding the air out until spring. Ideal situation is to run the motor to circulate it, but it's better than nothing. Had to do this on a boat motor one year in freezing weather: anti-freeze was just good to +20 and it survived OK. If you do get to run the motor, drain the oil as well!
Agree with the anti-freeze issue. I'd try to double-check it. If you have to drain some out in a hurry you could probably pull the lower rad hose. Replenish with very high percentage mixture (80%) and don't worry about bleeding the air out until spring. Ideal situation is to run the motor to circulate it, but it's better than nothing. Had to do this on a boat motor one year in freezing weather: anti-freeze was just good to +20 and it survived OK. If you do get to run the motor, drain the oil as well!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
From: ma
Re: What happens? Winter storage question (JohnS_77)
I Too never belived in using gas stabilizer always just put the lawn mower and snow blower away with gas in it. 3 years ago I had some gas left over from the lawnmower 1 month old that I was putting in my snow blower,while pouring it it it had a differant smell,like varnish. {no kidding} it looked like water then out of the can what looked like honey! It had seperated in only 4 weeks. had to pull the carb and clean everything out. Gas stabilizer is CHEAP protecton and alot easier than pulling and cleaning fuel systemsin small or large motors!