storing with no fluids?
 

So I've read everything and I know it says to store with fresh fluids, but is there any way I could skimp out on the diff, and tranny fluids. Even the clutch, power steering, and braking systems?

I've just been running through financial hurdles after I picked up my 7, and currently purchasing all these extra things will really hurt my wallet. I'm waiting to hear word for acceptance into a school program, and provided I get acceptance, I will sell my DD and use some of that cash for everything. But for the next couple weeks I just need a simple solution.

Also my piston neighbour said he's never flogged a motor and doesn't recommend it. Just curious on people's views on this. (I will be flogging it regardless)

Thanks for your input,

Justin

Just store it as is. I've let ours set every winter (Nov-Mar) for 21 years and no related problems.

If it's just for a few weeks, probably even a few months, you don't need to do anything.

Storage guide here: http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/storage.htm

I know coolant needs to be changed every 1-2 years even if your car hasn't moved an inch to prevent rust and serious damage. Moisture can likewise cause rust and serious problems in brake fluid. Dunno how bad rust is in all the other fluids, but I do know that even motor oil contains rust prevention compounds that only last so many months. Without the regular hour of heat to boil away moisture, condensation is worse in a stored car than an active one. At least in motor oil, since the oil system isn't sealed.

I've never heard of serious problems related to flogging a car short of race track abuse, and even then there are easy ways around it (don't use fluids that break down under extreme conditions, don't bump your horsepower and then drop the clutch without improving your drivetrain too, etc.). Dropping the clutch or downshifting without rev matching will increase clutch wear, burnouts will wear out tires of course, etc., but otherwise people who know how to maintain their vehicle have cars in much better conditions than grandmas. The rotary in particular benefits from periodic redlining to clean away carbon deposits. After many years of carbon buildup without doing this the motor might even seize.

It's this way with most things in life, I think. People are always looking for a way to make an accusation but it's neglect that causes most problems, not abuse.

Flog?..You mean FOG don't you?
Basic Storing without Going NUTS:.put Stabil in the gas.
Plug the exhaust pipes so little Critters don't make a nest in your exhaust.
You can put a shot of oil in the housings and roll the engine over once by hand,,to keep the internals lubed.
Store the battery some place,and put on a trickle charger.Turn the charger on Once a week,for a day.
Other than that,you are Fine.

No, I think they mean flog (as in to beat like a horse).

What's the duration that officially 'storing' the car comes in? Is it OVER a certain duration, like a MONTH, or something longer?

I mean, if a car's under the knife, and sitting, how long can this go on before officially STORING the car becomes a requirement.

it'll be for the winter months. so about 5-6 months.

And i do apologize, i did mean fog not flog.

I think I'm going to be leaving the diff fluid, it'll just be a reason to get an lsd if it fails.

Ah; gotcha.

So it's safe to have a car parked for a MONTH, dry?

IMO leave all the oils, things rust without oil.

the coolant is the important one, mazda actually recommends storing the engine with 90% coolant.

ive let cars sit for long periods without issue, except the damn batteries

no i wasn't saying it was safe to go dry if i implied that. I will probably just do the oil change and leave everything else. Hoping to do a rad soon, so I'll leave the coolant alone for the time being.

Please make sure that your Coolant is Ok,if you plan to store the car over the winter months.Ontario Winters can be nasty(-40 C last year).
Your oil,and other fluids Do not need to be NEW,But it does help to deter Condensation on the internal parts.
read Aaron Cake's storage Info @ www.aaroncake.net

the coolant is the important one, oil doesnt rust...