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Long Time Car Storage Tips

32 messages,  Last post on Sep 30, 2008 at 6:00 PM

You are in the Maintenance & Repair Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright

What is this discussion about? Heating / Cooling, Fuel System, Tires, Brakes, Electrical, Engine, Oil, Suspension, Transmission

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#27 of 32 Re: Summer auto storage [Mr_Shiftright] by robian1 Jul 23, 2008 (3:33 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jul 21, 2008 2:26 pm) Thanks, it's good to know that an 8 week storage shouldn't be a problem. Confessing ignorance here, but what is a "radio code"? Replies to this message: kiawah (Jul 23, 2008 3:36 pm)
#28 of 32 Re: Summer auto storage [robian1] by kiawah Jul 23, 2008 (3:36 pm)
Replying to: robian1 (Jul 23, 2008 3:33 pm) Some manufacturers, have a radio that if it looses power, when it powers up it is locked with an 'error'. You have to unlock it with the radio code. That is to thwart thieves who would want to steal your radios and sell them, makes them kind of useless.   The security code is set by the manufacturer, and when you buy the car you get the code.   8 weeks is really nothing, as long as the car is in good maintenance with a decent battery. I've had situations where we were moving, and I've left vehicles for months on end a couple of occassions. I have a vehicle now which sits usually about a month at a time. I usually start up and drive around once a month.
#29 of 32 Preparing to start a car parked over 5 years by srhodes1980 Aug 30, 2008 (4:35 am)
Ok, my brother parked his 91' firebird - give or take - some five years ago. It was driven into the car port and shut off - no extra measures taken. He has finally decided to give it to me, I know the rear tranny seal needs to be replaced, but my first question is how do I make sure that I don't mess anything up when I first crank it up after this long - will the oil level show true if there is even any left in it? Does oil dry up after that long? I have no idea here . . . . My first agenda is to get it cranked and make sure the motor will be ok before I send it to the shop. Once at the shop, I know I need to have that seal replaced and plan to have a full tune up done, down to gaskets and hoses and fluids. Replies to this message: kiawah (Aug 30, 2008 5:50 am) Mr_Shiftright (Aug 30, 2008 9:37 am)
#30 of 32 Re: Preparing to start a car parked over 5 years [srhodes1980] by kiawah Aug 30, 2008 (5:50 am)
Replying to: srhodes1980 (Aug 30, 2008 4:35 am) I'm no expert on this, but I'll be surprised if it will start. Your battery will be discharged to nothing and probably bad, and the fuel will be a mess...and probably your biggest problem and hardest to correct.   - I think I'd do an oil change before trying to start, and then assume you get the vehicle started at some point.....change it again shortly thereafter. - I wouldn't even mess with the old battery, I'd just replace it or put in a known good battery from another vehicle. - I'd think serously about dropping the gas tank, getting all the old gas out, flushing it out, then putting it back in and flushing the fuel lines via the fuel pump. - I'd take the plugs out, and try turning the engine over by hand (or with the starter), to get a couple revolutions on it and make sure it isn't frozen.   Good luck with your 'gift' Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 30, 2008 9:37 am)
#31 of 32 Re: Preparing to start a car parked over 5 years [kiawah] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Aug 30, 2008 (9:37 am)
Replying to: kiawah (Aug 30, 2008 5:50 am) Great advice from kiawah...I'd even up the ante and REQUIRE that you do most of what he says.   Do NOT attempt to jump start an old dead battery. It could blow up in your face (literally).   And draining the gas is essential. It has changed chemically and will screw everything up.   Yes, a nasty job but way less expensive than cleaning out your entire fuel system 5 times.   And after you get it running, you'll need to drain the flush the brake system, change the oil and filter and tune it up, also new air and fuel filter.   The various seals might leak, but they might also swell up again and stop leaking. You'll have to assess this after running the car around for a while.   I presume the tires are toast as well.   Work slowly, be safe. Remember, you only mess up a job when you don't give yourself enough time. It's sat for years, so if you don't get it going in a day, wait another day, or as long as you need.
#32 of 32 car storage website by lyonscars Sep 30, 2008 (6:00 pm)
here is a list of car storage facilities from around the world. most are located in the U.S. and GB.   If anyone has any good articles or tips to post please let me know.   Thanks,   www.insidecarstorage.com

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