(mods this may be in the wrong section however is of a technical nature so is up to you) Hi all I wanted peoples views preferably from people who have done this before. I am wondering what precautions should be taken to a Z32 mechanically while in long term storage to prevent issues down the track. I have never stored a car long term before so after some advice. By biggest concern would be damaging the components etc due to lack of use, suck as turbos, fuel pumps and any other part that has any type of seal rubber or otherwise that could deteriorate over time through lack of use. So post of your thoughts and ideas Cheers Jas
How long is it going to be? Things to do if stored for a few years... - Add fuel stablizer to last tank of gas well before storage to let it work thru the system. - Use up fuel and/or drain tank - Run car to use up remaining fuel in lines. - Drain oil. - Drain coolant - Could also drain the brake and clutch fluids - but more optional... - Remove battery - Open up spark plugs and put a spoonful of oil in each cylinder - replace plugs - Vacuum interior of the car really, really well (no food of any kind). - Tires off, car on jack stands -- jack stands under the suspension components too. Don't want them just hanging freely -- need a little support. - Try to store car in temperature controlled location. - Only use a car cover if stored in a temperature controlled area. Car covers can cause moisture to form inside of car if storage location gets humid and then cold. I think I remembered everything??? There's not much that can be done to prevent seals and hoses from drying out...
Putting oil in the cylinders is pretty important. For one step better get a corrosion inhibitor in their instead of oil.
Storage Sounds like storing and expensive bottle of wine in the cellar, thats too much hassle just start the car once every 2 weeks, I ve had my car for 3 years and driven it maybe 6 times
After having my zed in storage for 6 months, what do you suggest i do? All i had in mind was to just change the oil and run the tank dry
i would have thought filling the engine right up 2 the very top would have been the best (so its coming out of the rocker covers!
That is clearly the best thing to do because then you will have so much oil stored up, you would only need to change it every 10 months
Funny but maybe not such a silly idea it has merit thats for sure as long as no one started it or tried too. Time frame is 2 years maybe longer if the option is taken and unless I appoint a custodian the car will be stored and not started etc. Keep em coming great info so far
Here's what I did for 3.5 months storage Inflate tyres to ~45psi cold. Coolant change and flush: Ensures maximum anti-corrosion protection. Oil change: ensures all components have a good film/coating of clean oil with no condensates left in sump. Immediately prior to storage, on a dry, low humidity day, run engine to just below operating temp at idle then switch off. [A squirt of INOX or similar non-water based penetrating oil in each cylinder is desirable but not mandatory IMHO] Ensure bodywork/interior is clean and dry to prevent mould/rust/corrosion etc. Spray all electrical connectors liberally with INOX. Disconnect battery.
ONE of my bosses mates did this . worked a treat. the main thing is 2 remember its full of oil and 2 dump it before you try and start it again !!..
Storage I had my project car in storage for three months outside under a tarp, My sister gave me a moisture absorbtion pad for the interior worked a treat not even a musty smell after three months. The pads are the same crystals they put in the little satches but bigger, about 400 mm square.
Silica gel? Silica gel pad especially good for cars with leather interior - stops mould growing on seats.
I heard that too. Fill the oil until it's all the way to the top. Means no rust in any of those areas.
Give it to a trusted mate (with a garage) and have him/her drive it for an hour or so every two weeks.
I stored a car for 4.5 years and was good as gold when it came down off the stands First thing is fill her full to the top with cheap mineral oil as other more expensive oils with more additives can separate from sitting long periods and on there own cause corrosion. Second thing to do is lower the tyre pressure to about 15 20 psi and put the car on stands. third thing is pump mineral oil through the brake system (nice light oil) as brake fluid is the real killer when left sitting. When cleaning out the brakes when you want to get it out of storage just fill it with a detergent engine cleaner. I was told to do all this by a guy that has stored cars for 20 years (at a time ) He has just last month sold a desoto that was in storage for 18 years for $95000 so I think he knows a little about what to do Oh and about the dont forget to drain it thing ,you wont forget . You went to all the trouble of doing it and you just wont forget, just make sure no one else can try and start it
i would think thats the best option , that way all seals and metal surfaces will get lubricated , ie gear box , diff , brakes ,ect , even the air con ,
I bought an old car that had been sitting for over 10 years and the previous owner had drained all the coolant and filled that up completly with oil also lol Worked well but took a hell of alot of flushes to get it all out again.
