I've had my FC for about 7-8 months now, and I'm planning on her putting her away for the winter (OH) in my parents' garage. This is my first time storing a car this way and I was wondering if there any special precautions/tips that I should know about.

I plan on buying some Stabil gas stabilizer, but how much gas should I leave in it? How often should I start her up and for how long? Also, it's an unheated garage - is that a big issue (should I invest in a heater)?

Sorry if this has been asked before and thanks in advance for your help. BTW, it's an '87 NA with 90K on the original engine.

 

i say just start it up once or twice a week, i dont think you have to let it totally warm up, as for gas i would say just leave a quater tank that way you can just get rid of it when you take it out

 

Personally I would start her up atleast twice a month. Let her warm up fully to let the thermo open up, turn on the blower motor so the coolant can move around. Then shut her down and repeat every 2 weeks.. Just make get all the fluids and engine parts moving around.

 

everytime ive ever stored a car i usally just drain the collant completely and pull the battery. worked fine for me, its usally for a couple of months, not a few years or anything, car sit in dealer lots without even being started for longer times than that

 

Some stabil or other gasoline stabilizer is a good idea. that, or keep it very low on gas and just take it out around the block and put a little more in it every now and again (nice days).

 

I would not recommend draining the cooling system completely. Rust and corrosion will be more pronounced due contact with air. A fresh coolant flush and fill would be a better choice.

 

I've stored my S5TII every year since it was new. I fill the tank, to avoid any condensation due to the temp. changes, and try and start it at least every 2 weeks and let it run until up to temp. If you don't, and it sits too long some cars experience low compression on start up and some additive (ATF) must be added into the housings to get it started. It happened to me twice. Way back in '92 and again in '95 when I didn't start it often enough.

 

Consider disconnecting the battery between start ups. This should prevent battery drain if you have a minor unknown draw. I really do not see any reason to use Stabil for only 4 - 5 months. Keep the tank at least 3/4 to full to prevent/reduce H20 condensation. If you can get away with it, road dive in a responsoble manner to keep everything lubed and smooth. Do not engage the emergency brake. And lastly, consider storage insurance when you cancel road insurance. Prolly $50.00 for 6 months.

 

Gasoline combustion properties begin changing in as little as two weeks. Fill the tank up and use the proper amount of fuel stabilizer. Fill the tank because gasoline will attract moisture. A full tank will not allow much airspace in the tank for cold air and moisture to condensate. Change the oil before you put it into storage, as you don't want the contaminates sitting in there all winter eating away at stuff. Change the coolant, and store the car on jackstands or somthing so that the tires don't sit on the ground in the same spot and develop flat spots. Yes this does happen. I would also take the spark plugs out and put a couple teaspoons of motor oil in each housing and then crank the engine for a second or so , to get the oil all around in the housings. Unhook the battery and store it in a warm place, as if it is partially discharged it may sulfate in the cold and kill itself.

 

Thanks for the advice, guys. I gotta say that I'm a bit overwhelmed because everybody seems to have a different opinion/method for storing a car. I guess I will just consult some other people I know and then just go with whatever makes the most sense!

I probably should have mentioned that, as much as I love my car enough to store it over the winter, it's far from perfect. Meaning, it's had its share of bumps, dents and bruises (inside and out). It's actually my daily driver, and while I do clean it as often as possible in the summer, I'm not picky about keeping it "perfect" all the time like some people who may only take their car out once a month. I just don't want my car to develop any rust over the winter months, that's the main reason I'm storing it. Of course I want the best for it so that I can drive it again come 2005, but some of those things like putting it on jackstands just seem a little excessive to me... But I do appreciate the help nonetheless.