bizarro

iTrader: (1)

this will be my first time putting her to sleep for the winter...i've done searches and saw lots of input but not one post had all the answers.

so i ask for serious posters who have cold winters to give up step by step procedures and tips on putting her to sleep for the winter and waking her up in the spring.

this will be going into the faq section so please cold winter members need apply.

steps for carb and fi if the steps are diff please

thank you

inittab

Okay, I'll start with some suggestions:

1) fill up the gas tank so that condensation can't eat away at the top of the tank.

2) put fuel stabilizer in the tank.

3) change the oil

4) check the anti-freeze

5) spray "Mouse Away" on several rags and place them in the engine compartment and in the cabin of the car. This stuff, from what I understand, will keep the rodents away.

6) wax the paint and cover with good quality car cover.

Richard Miller

putting mothballs in an cottage cheese container helps deter unwanted visitors also.

disconect the battery

plug off holes that wildlife may find exciting, such as your exhaust and the intake to your air filter.

cover your seats with a old blanket or such for protection, and dont forget the dash.

more if I think of it.

7addict

Don't forget to pullout the plugs and spray wd-40 or poor some oil down the carb. You have to keep those seals well lubed if you are not going to fire it up for 5 months. Replace plugs when done.
Inflate the tires to over pressure so you do not get flat spots.
If possible keep the temp where the car is stored consistant.
Change all fluids if possible, this ensures that there is as little water content as possible in your hoses and such.
Add that to the others and your set I think.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

1.if storing outside, and over anything not paved, place cardboard under the car so that moisture will not rot her
2.lube grease fittings (if applicable)
3.cover with tarp then car cover. double protcetion
4.60/40 mix of antifreeze
5.make sure no yummies for rodents and animals are left in the car
6.everyhting else stated in previous replies is soooooooooooooooo true. here in ohio, near the lake, where i live, the wind feels like it tears right trough you!!!! it is AWFUL. summer is nice though!

inittab

Does this really work? And if so, how does it keep the moisture away from the under-side of the car? Heck.... I'm willing to try but it sounds kinda weird.

bizarro

iTrader: (1)

i have a garage so moisture isn't an issue. the temp will be constant 55 degrees with the heater rodents shouldn't be a prob either as my house is new...and the garage is well sealed.

looks like it won't be a tough winter for her after all...

would just opening the garage door and turning her over once a week be okay?

Rx7carl

Jack it up and put her on jackstands. Keeps the tires from geting flat spooted.

Northern 7

iTrader: (3)

Never cover your car with a tarp - it traps moisture and could cause some serious damage to your paint. Thats why car covers are breathable. Don't mean to pick apart your post but this is something you just don't do.

As for advice,
- lube up all the door seals with a light lube (silicone works good).
-If you have leather, treat it prior to putting the car away. Use a good quality leather softener like McGuires - will keep you seats from drying out and leaves a really nice smell in the car (rather than using a freshener).
-Cover you disc brakes with plastic bags if you are storing outdoors - keeps that surface rust off. Pull the wheel, cover the disc, and put the wheel back on again.
-I jack mine up and support on blocks (wood) - just high enough to take the weight off the rubber and a little stress off the suspension. Don't leave the wheels hanging - they should be touching the ground. and don't use jack stands - they are hard on the frame over long periods and thye tend to rust.
- I spray my under carriage with a light lube - just enough to keep the moisure from forming.
- don't start it up until you are ready to drive it - letting it idle does it no good at all.
- Leave the e-brake off - the cable can stretch over a period of time if left on.

Rx7carl

Northern has a good point about jsut enough height to keep the weight off the tires. If you leave it hanging, you can get rust on the shock/strut pistons.

Hey Bob, NYC boy here. At least for the first 25 years of my life. Didnt you know, everyone down here is from up north somewhere

82transam

iTrader: (18)

Am I the only one here who likes winter? Seems like everyone hates it. Anyway, I didn't read the whole thread, but putting a dish of arm and hammer baking soda on the floor helps suck up the moisture inside and keeps the interior from getting moldy. None of this really matters to me cause my car is gonna get driven this winter, oh great, more rust.

inittab

bump ^

any other winter storage suggestions?