winterizing my 90 vette.
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 99
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From: Budd Lake New Jersey
winterizing my 90 vette.
First off I hope I'm not flooding this forum with topics, and I thank everybody who has throwin in their 2 cents on a topic or advice thanks guys 
So this year I'm winterizing my baby, last year was a lil different because I used my friends shop(indoor) it never seen snow before, well this year Its gonna be sitting outside under a tree haha, covered that has vents to "breathe" since this is new and lucky for us people n jersey we have been enjoying this 60 degree weather every weekend so far knock on wood
does anybody have tips how to keep it "on its toes" if you will. I start it every other weekend, it has about a 1/2 tank of gas(Sunoco 93 octane) are there any preservatives to put in the gas tank to keep the fuel stable? Should I move it a little bit? Look for any signs of anything? I learned my lesson a few months ago I had to get a new targa top so I dropped it off at a shop for 3 weeks(insurance covered it) and make a long story short I was driving home and it smelt awful, turned out there was a rats nest under my intake plenum in between my runners, smart little sucker because the engine must have been warm when he crawled in and figured he didnt have to pay rent. Anyway if anybody has any tips id greatly appreciate it!
Thanks agian!
So this year I'm winterizing my baby, last year was a lil different because I used my friends shop(indoor) it never seen snow before, well this year Its gonna be sitting outside under a tree haha, covered that has vents to "breathe" since this is new and lucky for us people n jersey we have been enjoying this 60 degree weather every weekend so far knock on wood
does anybody have tips how to keep it "on its toes" if you will. I start it every other weekend, it has about a 1/2 tank of gas(Sunoco 93 octane) are there any preservatives to put in the gas tank to keep the fuel stable? Should I move it a little bit? Look for any signs of anything? I learned my lesson a few months ago I had to get a new targa top so I dropped it off at a shop for 3 weeks(insurance covered it) and make a long story short I was driving home and it smelt awful, turned out there was a rats nest under my intake plenum in between my runners, smart little sucker because the engine must have been warm when he crawled in and figured he didnt have to pay rent. Anyway if anybody has any tips id greatly appreciate it!Thanks agian!
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 93
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Moth ***** keep critters out of engine bays but you have to put them in an open mesh type bag. Bounce fabric softners all over the interior work great for a few months. ANd the new trick I heard about is Jalapeno juice around perimeter of car or pepper spray on jack stands.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
Don't start it every 2 weeks unless you can take it out and drive it till it is well up to normal water and oil temps. Just letting it idle for a few minutes will let moisture condense in the exhaust and could cause it to rust out. The tank should be full, I add Stabil don't know for sure that it helps, I know it doesn't hurt. If at all possible, keep the battery hooked up to a trickle charger all winter. If not possible, disconnect the neg wire at the battery. Maybe overfill the tires (40 psi?), between loss over time and the colder temps that will prevent the tires from being too low over the winter and into spring.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA
If you store in a rodent prone area, I recommend baited (killer) traps. I have caught more than a dozen since I put the Corvette away. Been quiet as of recent. Maybe I got them all? Doubt it, maybe they just don't like PB anymore?
Also, leaving the battery hooked to a maintenance charger is fine, but it also keeps the battery warm. Mice like warm things...
I run my car once every month until the cooling fans cycle 3 times. (Oil and coolant get well above water boiling temperature.) Then let it cool thoroughly (hood open) before I recover the car.
I overfill my tires to 45 psi. Max list on my side wall is 51. DO NOT OVER INFLATE.
Also, leaving the battery hooked to a maintenance charger is fine, but it also keeps the battery warm. Mice like warm things...
I run my car once every month until the cooling fans cycle 3 times. (Oil and coolant get well above water boiling temperature.) Then let it cool thoroughly (hood open) before I recover the car.
I overfill my tires to 45 psi. Max list on my side wall is 51. DO NOT OVER INFLATE.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA
Umm...unless a battery gets severely discharged, it will not freeze. Or at least should not. Mine sits for a month between "runs" voltage even if very cold is never below 11.5V when I key it up, before start up. Never fails to start.
Granted this is not what is BEST for the battery, but it is what works for me in my storage situation. I'd rather be replacing batteries a little more often than trying to find and fix hidden wiring problems. To each their own and find what works for YOU.
Granted this is not what is BEST for the battery, but it is what works for me in my storage situation. I'd rather be replacing batteries a little more often than trying to find and fix hidden wiring problems. To each their own and find what works for YOU.
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