Hopefully you will be storing this vehicle inside a garageDon't drain any fluids. If you drain the fluids seals could dry out and leak. Internal parts could corrode.Change the oil and filterFill the fuel tank full. You will get less condensation in a full fuel tank. Add some fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank. There will usually be an optional mixture to use for long term storage. See the link below for an example of this fuel stabilizer. It can be found at nearly any auto parts store.Run the engine for a few minutes to allow the fuel stabilizer to circulate through the fuel system.The last time you start the engine spray an engine fogger down the fuel injection throttle body until the engine stalls. Remove the spark plugs and use the extension tube to spray more fogging oil into the cylinders. Re-install the spark plugs. This will coat the valves and cylinders with lubricant so the engine won't seize during storage. The link below also has an example of engine fogging oil.Disconnect the battery. You will more than likely need to replace the battery if the vehicle is in storage more than a year.Plug the air intake, and heater air intake with crumpled aluminum foil. This will keep varmints from building nests in these locations. Place a note on the steering wheel to remind you to remove the aluminum foil before the next time you start the engine.Wash and wax the vehiclePlace the car on jack stands to remove the weight from the tires.Cover the car with a good car cover.When it comes time bring the car out of storage:Put the battery on a battery charger and charge at least 8 amps for a few hours. The battery may be junk but it is worth a shot at charging it.Fill the tires to the correct air pressure.Lube any suspension lube pointsInspect the vehicle inside and out, under the hood, and under the vehicle for varmint nests. Also check for varmint damage.Put the car back on the groundRemove the foil from the air intake and heater air intakeRe-install the batteryCheck all of the fluids. Give everything under the hood the once over.Chalk the wheels in case your brakes have a problem.Remove the fuel pump fuse and turn the engine over for several seconds. This will get lubrication to the engine but will not flood it.Replace the fuel pump fuse. Allow the starter to cool for about 5 minutes.Turn the ignition key on but don't start for about 5 seconds. This will allow the fuel pump to pressurize the fuel system.Make sure the garage door is open. Start the engine. Remember that you sprayed all that fogging oil into the engine. It will smoke badly when it first starts. This should go away after a few minutes. The engine may also clatter for a few minutes until the valve lifters pump up. This should also go away after a few minutes. Don't race the engine when it starts. Just keep it running.Place the vehicle in gear. Move the gear selector into each gear.Move the vehicle a few feet and check the brakes. It would suck to go through all of this effort only to find out that when you pull into traffic that your brakes do not work.Allow the engine to reach full operating temperature.Check for leaks.Take it for a test drive, but take it easy for the first 100 miles or so.
www.goldeagle.com
27 Mar 2009, 07:01 pm
What needs to be done to a car for long-term storage?
Similar Threads
Linear Mode
