Storing '78 for winter

[7825th]

I live in Long Island, NY and my car will be garaged.
It seems that there are different schools of thought on how to store - park it with a full tank, Use sta-bil, don't start it at all. Etc.
I'd like to hear some feedback on this issue.
Thanks

Ron

 

[Jack]

DO use stabil & premium gas ... double the label dosage & mix WELL. For over-wintering ... No real advantage to periodic cranking unless you keep it running for an hour at a time ... to get it fully up to temp. Best to disconnect terminals from battery and put a full charge on it just before slumber.
JACK:gap

 

[vett boy]

I think a lot of people confuse long and short term storage.90 days or less is not long term although to vett owner it seeems like forever.Fuel won't go bad in that time but sta bil won't hurt.Disconnect your battery for sure.You'll be fine it's only 83 days till April 1st.

 

[Guy]

I live in Long Island, NY and my car will be garaged.
It seems that there are different schools of thought on how to store - park it with a full tank, Use sta-bil, don't start it at all. Etc.
I'd like to hear some feedback on this issue.
Thanks

Ron

That's how I stored my 2 82's for 4-6 months at a time, but I disconnected the battery (with a quick disconnect switch). Never used sta-bill either.


Guy

 

[BarryK]

here is a complete winter storage checklist:
http://69.253.166.197/page1/page65/page65.html
look for the file called "WinterStorage.pdf"

if you fill the gas tank up all the way before putting her away it will eliminate condensation in the tank. I've never used Sta-Bil.
as mentioned before, resist the impulse and don't start it. Also, some people think they should store it up on jackstands to prevent flatspotting the tires......... DON'T! Modern tires will not flatspot in a short term storage such as six or eight months or so and leaving the suspension hanging like that while up on stands will damage it. It puts unnatural stress on the rubber bushings.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

DO use stabil & premium gas ... double the label dosage & mix WELL.

That's really overkill and completely unneccessary. Even the gas companies will tell you that gasoline is good for up to a year.

http://www.chevron.com/products/prodserv/fuels/bulletin/longterm_gasoline/

Jack and BarryK are correct with letting the car sit on it's own wheels and not starting the engine

There's more myths and bad science floating around the internet on this subject than you can throw a stick at.

 

[JohnZ]

Here's what I've done for the last 40 years (with no problems) for garage storage during our six-month Michigan winters:

1. Change oil, drive it a few miles, fill the gas tank (Sta-Bil not necessary).

2. Park in garage, roll up windows, air up tires to 40#.

3. Connect "Battery Tender" once a month for 24 hours or so until the green light comes on.

4. When spring comes, check tire pressure, start it and drive it.

Anything else is unnecessary - these things aren't "fragile" - they're cars.

 

[82ColEd]

Thanks for clarifying this for me. I always felt bad that i didnt "do" anything, other then full tank of gas, tire pressure and battery tender hooked up (like everyday).


-Stefan

 

[srs244]

just another opinion from the deep south. i wouldn't store my generator or my lawn mower for more than 60 days without a fuel stabilizer. while i certainly don't claim to be an expert on fuel oils or gasoline, i have always read that gas will start to deteriorate within 60 days of filling. while no one has mentioned it here yet, at worst, the sta-bil is a fuel system cleaner and may actually help keep the entire system cleaner if mixed well before storage. the advantage of a full tank is the reduction of moisture from temp changes based upon having no place to build up, it doesn't prevent the fuel from breaking down. i would also assume from your location that you are talking about approximately 4 months of storage, so why take a chance when sta-bil is only about $20.00 or so. keep in mind, however, that is just another opinion.

 

[MRANT212]

This winter has been a mild one so far.......Take it out for a ride and dont worry....There is no snow/salt where I am(NJ) and you dont even have to clean the bugs off your car!!! Had mine (the 71)out today for a nice cruise and on Saturday too. May have to run where I got the 88 stored and take it for exercise too!!! If you only put it way for a few months a lot of the storage suggestions may be overkill except for potential battery drain. Keep the tank full though to prevent condensation. Wait for Spring???? It almost feels like Spring!!!

Anthony

Anthony

 

[JOE BYRNE]

I did the same in Ohio and it felt GREAT! 58 on Friday