Winter storage question?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 21
From: Denville NJ
Winter storage question?
I have read several threads regarding keeping batteries charged during prolonged storage. What is the best trickle charger to use for this purpose? The car is stored indoors in an unheated garage. Is there any danger of fire if left unattended for a long period of time? Thanks in advance for any help. BTW, winter in the northeast s#cks!!! We had a quarter inch of snow last week and the road crews dropped 15,000,000 tons of rock salt :mad Give me a break!!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
Likes: 26
From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: Winter storage question? (CG77VETTE)
I dont use a charger at all, once a week run the vette for 10 minutes. better yet, take it around the block a few times.
Vettes need to be driven or they run like crap when you bring it back out.
Vettes need to be driven or they run like crap when you bring it back out.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Winter storage question? (eamador11)
I don't store my vettes. I won't actually drive on snow, but once the roads are plowed I will. We don't get too much snow in central Jersey anyway.
Worst thing you can do to a car is let it sit, trust me, I've been there.
Worst thing you can do to a car is let it sit, trust me, I've been there.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Winter storage question? (Mr Mojo)
Frank - you did'nt lock this one! :jester :lol: :lol:
as for Mojo's statements - I agree completely. I am a firm beleiver in the sad reality that atrophy is the most fatal thing that can happen to a car... any car...
rubber rots... tires rot... belts rot... bearings dry up... ick... I would rather have a well maintained car with a few miles than some 5000 miles garage queen...
and yes... I drive in the snow... will to it tomorrow more than likely!!!
as for Mojo's statements - I agree completely. I am a firm beleiver in the sad reality that atrophy is the most fatal thing that can happen to a car... any car...
rubber rots... tires rot... belts rot... bearings dry up... ick... I would rather have a well maintained car with a few miles than some 5000 miles garage queen...
and yes... I drive in the snow... will to it tomorrow more than likely!!!
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Royal Oak MI
Re: Winter storage question? (CG77VETTE)
Restoration Battery makes a great trickle charger (Battery MINDer) for $55, including shipping. I bought mine through an ad in the NCRS Driveline, not sure if they have a web site. Alternatively, just disconnect it and charge it up once a month or so.
I have always been told that in the Winter, if you are not going to DRIVE it for at least 20 miles, you should not start it up at all. The oil will not get hot enough to burn off the water and unburned fuel.
I have always been told that in the Winter, if you are not going to DRIVE it for at least 20 miles, you should not start it up at all. The oil will not get hot enough to burn off the water and unburned fuel.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 1
From: NY
Re: Winter storage question? (bogus)
Okay, a garage queen here....
I have a trickle charger for my car (just have not put it on the car yet). The brand name is Schumacher. It is a fully automatic charger/maintainer. Cost was $50.00.
Can't comment on the fire issue, as I'm too lazy to put it on the car. Right now I have the negative terminal disconnected, otherwise the car sucks the battery (correct GM replacement, less than a year old) dry in about 2 weeks if the car sits. :eek: I've hooked the car up to a multi-meter and it's not placing any unusual draw on the battery, it just drains it when the car is not used.
I suppose I should hook up the trickle charger soon, as I'm told batteries can still drain when not used/disconnected. :crazy:
I have a trickle charger for my car (just have not put it on the car yet). The brand name is Schumacher. It is a fully automatic charger/maintainer. Cost was $50.00.
Can't comment on the fire issue, as I'm too lazy to put it on the car. Right now I have the negative terminal disconnected, otherwise the car sucks the battery (correct GM replacement, less than a year old) dry in about 2 weeks if the car sits. :eek: I've hooked the car up to a multi-meter and it's not placing any unusual draw on the battery, it just drains it when the car is not used.
I suppose I should hook up the trickle charger soon, as I'm told batteries can still drain when not used/disconnected. :crazy:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,388
Likes: 1
From: X
Re: Winter storage question? (CG77VETTE)
I use a 1.5 amp trickle charge. It shuts off automaticly. Its only about 20 bucks, it comes with a "L"bracket that slides under the battery and the charger mounts to that.
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,677
Likes: 1
From: South Main St, GhettoLand USA
Re: Winter storage question? (bogus)
I am a firm beleiver in the sad reality that atrophy is the most fatal thing that can happen to a car... any car...
rubber rots... tires rot... belts rot... bearings dry up... ick... I would rather have a well maintained car with a few miles than some 5000 miles garage queen...
rubber rots... tires rot... belts rot... bearings dry up... ick... I would rather have a well maintained car with a few miles than some 5000 miles garage queen...
edited to say: My car has relatively low miles and doesn't seem to have any problems associated with disuse...at least none that have surfaced, anyway! :)
[Modified by Justin1984, 6:54 PM 1/18/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,555
Likes: 9
From: Indiana
Re: Winter storage question? (Black89)
I have always been told that in the Winter, if you are not going to DRIVE it for at least 20 miles, you should not start it up at all. The oil will not get hot enough to burn off the water and unburned fuel.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
Re: Winter storage question? (Jerry Velders)
Starting it and running it at 2K RPM for 30 minutes is the best thing to do. This allows the oil to come up to temperature to burn off any moisture, it also allows the exhaust to burn off any moisture. Not starting it is a bad thing because seals will dry out and then come this spring the hot topic on the forum is how everyone has leaks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 844
Likes: 8
From: Butler PA
Re: Winter storage question? (CG77VETTE)
I just pulled an article from my files which
appeared in Corvette News in June/July 1970, addressing
this subject. It breaks down the storage to: Less than 30 days,
Extended periods, and Resurrecting your Vette. I don't
have a scanner, but perhaps someone on this forum
can find this article and make it available. It was updated and
reprinted in '78 or so as well.
On the battery issue it says: Disconnect both terminals
to avoid shorts and charge it if the specific gravity drops
below 1.255.
On running the engine, it says: 15 minutes minimum at
fast idle.
Both these are from the 30 days or less section. If the
storage is extended, it says to remove the battery and store
it in a cool dry place ABOVE FREEZING TEMPERATURES. The
engine issue is moot as they recommend the oil down the cylinders,
removing coolant and draining the fuel lines.
:seeya
appeared in Corvette News in June/July 1970, addressing
this subject. It breaks down the storage to: Less than 30 days,
Extended periods, and Resurrecting your Vette. I don't
have a scanner, but perhaps someone on this forum
can find this article and make it available. It was updated and
reprinted in '78 or so as well.
On the battery issue it says: Disconnect both terminals
to avoid shorts and charge it if the specific gravity drops
below 1.255.
On running the engine, it says: 15 minutes minimum at
fast idle.
Both these are from the 30 days or less section. If the
storage is extended, it says to remove the battery and store
it in a cool dry place ABOVE FREEZING TEMPERATURES. The
engine issue is moot as they recommend the oil down the cylinders,
removing coolant and draining the fuel lines.
:seeya
