Winter Storage Tips

77SS · Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 10:20 am Post subject: Winter Storage Tips

Now that we are in the grips of Old Man Winter, many of us put our Elkys "on ice" so to speak, until Spring. I just read an article in the 2004 Annual issue of Muscle Car Review on winter storage ideas. These may have been posted in the past, but I thought it was timely enough to share them.

1. Jack stands. Whether you remove the wheels or not, the author recommends keeping the tires off the ground to prevent flat spots.

2. A full tank of fresh gas. The idea is that a full tank does not allow condensation to form. And if you are only storing it over the winter (2-3 months) it is not necessary to add any stabilizers.

3. Pouring oil into the carb. This one seemed a little odd until I thought about it a little. The thing here is that an engine that sits cold for 2-3 months can form condensation inside. The author recommends starting the engine, and slowly pouring regular motor oil straight into the carburator. You'll get blue smoke, and while the engine is still sputtering and burping on the oil, shut it down. This is supposed to put an oily coating on every thing. Come spring, start it up and let all the oil burn off the plugs and inside surfaces, and you should be good to go!

I don't remember if there were any recommendations for the battery.
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Steve Frey

My Gallery

2HF · Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 12:14 pm Post subject:

I agree with the ideas previously stated with possibly two exceptions:

1. I feel it would be better to remove the plugs, squirt a small amount of oil into each cylinder, replace the plugs (not the wires) and crank the engine over a few revolutions. Then replace the plug wires to save time in the spring.

2. I read where gasoline will start to turn bad in weeks rather than months. It's cheap insurance to put some StaBil in the gas when filling the tank for the last ride home.

To add to the storage ideas I would disconnect the battery and if you live in a cold climate bring it indoors if possible.

I use the winter time to better our cruck. I just got it back from a complete paint job on Jan 19 and next week the seats go out for new upholstery. Lots of work with less than 46k miles. Ah, what the heck you can't have a good money pit unless you support it properly. Cool

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Our El Camino is a 1984 Conquista Smile

with about 46.7k miles, 95% stock, and for sale.

A couple pages of pictures at: http://www.elcaminocentral.com/modules.php?set_albumName=2HF-Project&op=modload&name=Gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Orfunauto · Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 6:41 pm Post subject:

OR! .................you could move south and enjoy your baby year around like I did twenty years ago......HE,HE,HE,HE Left Minnesota and haven't looked back.
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82 SS El Camino, Gen 5, Album #20
Super charged 3.8 fwd 48 Buick
68 Norton Fastback
74 MCI 36,000#, 40' Private Coach
To the wife: Better cars than bars.......

spoonplugger · Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 10:42 pm Post subject:

Orfunauto, how on earth did you end up in a place like Lagrange? I grew up west of Wilson and have traveled many times through your neck of the woods on the way to Atlantic Beach. I like that flat country!!!
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86 caballero, 350 cid, TH350C

Orfunauto · Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 11:48 am Post subject:

I work for the USAF as a civilian. Got stationed at SJAFB in 1969. Left NC in 72 , lived in MN for 12 more years till I got sick and tired of the winter. Moved back here in 84 and haven't looked back! Smile

_________________
82 SS El Camino, Gen 5, Album #20
Super charged 3.8 fwd 48 Buick
68 Norton Fastback
74 MCI 36,000#, 40' Private Coach
To the wife: Better cars than bars.......

spoonplugger · Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 10:20 pm Post subject:

Orfunauto, my older brother retired from SJAF base a few years back. He lives west of Goldsboro on NC Highway 581 just south of where it crosses US 70. I was in the Coast Guard back in days gone by and was stationed at Morehead City. I own some farm land near Middlesex and have been trying to convince my wife to move back there, but no luck yet. Both of us grew up there on tobacco farms.
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86 caballero, 350 cid, TH350C

Orfunauto · Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 7:41 pm Post subject:

I probably know him if he's a car nut like me. Email me with his name and I'll let you know.
_________________
82 SS El Camino, Gen 5, Album #20
Super charged 3.8 fwd 48 Buick
68 Norton Fastback
74 MCI 36,000#, 40' Private Coach
To the wife: Better cars than bars.......