Car just will NOT start

[Vettehead Mikey]

One other big concern / potential problem if you store for an extended period (more than a few month) is drain or run the gas in the tank out. Gasoline will over time turn to a very thick and even hard gum, which in turn plugs up fuel lines, filters , tank screens and the like. I had this problem with a 73 Opel GT and ended up having to pull the gas tank to clean it out with carb boil out solution and even that took days to soak before it desolved all the gum / varnish caked around the fuel outlet. Extended storage will also take it's toll on all rubber hoese, belts, etc. If the hoses are swollen or very soft when you flex them you will be better off, just replacing them up front, especially if you end up with a gas leak / fire.

Regards:

Don't know what kind of junk gas they foist on you guys, but I've used gas that's over two years old (out of desperation) and had no problems.

If you really do have problems, throw a bottle of stabilizer in the tank before storage.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

How often do you "keep starting" it? Once/week, daily? I am trying to find the correct frequency without the problems. Thanks. mike j.

If you're not paying attention to the thread, the idea is DO NOT START THE CAR AT ALL. It's of no benefit, except to the owner of the car. Makes him feel better.

 

[mikejpss]

If you're not paying attention to the thread, the idea is DO NOT START THE CAR AT ALL. It's of no benefit, except to the owner of the car. Makes him feel better.

My dad always told me I was more hardheaded than anyone else he knew.
Starting it DOES make me feel better too. Thanks for all your advice, I am contemplating all the ideas. Just can't seem to resist the urge of cranking, but fear not, I will grow up soon.
mj

 

[craig32]

DOWN to 45? It got UP to 45 here this weekend, so I drove mine to the next town to buy beer! (yes Vettehead Mikey, it was Labatts - from your hometown) I can't really say I understand the concept of 'storing' a car where that is as cold as it gets. Also, I'm assuming a lot of folks who store their Vettes (money taker) for winter aren't doing it in the garage stall next to where the daily driver (money maker) sits? It's a psycological boost every morning before I leave for work to see it, and be reminded why I bother going in. . . Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Craig

 

[mikejpss]

Yep, it got even colder a few nighta ago, went all the way down to 38 degrees. On Christmas day we got snow, not enough to stick on the ground, but it snowed for about 3 hours. I am 52 years old and this was the first Christmas I have ever seen it snow in Louisiana.
It's not the cold that keeps our cars in storage down here during the winter, it's the slop from the rain. January thru the end of February is a very wet season for us and my 81 will not be driven in the rain.
Taking her dress off every couple weeks and turning the key is always a mental boost for me, thats why I was inquiring about the startup frequency on this thread.
When you guys wanna dig out the snow and make a trip down to Paradise, look me up and we'll have a beer or 6. mj