Preping the turtle for storage.

[M_anstrom]

As most of you know, I leave for basic training on monday. I won't be back for something crazy like 20 weeks so I'm prepping the turtle to be "stored". By this I mean sitting in the driveway through winter. I've swapped spark plugs, ran premium (to clean the engine out a lil), added HEET, and added Stabil. Anyone have any additional ideas to help the turtle survive the cold?

Chances are my dad will drive it occassionally but since he's built too big for it I doubt it'll be often.

[rllyrckt]

yeah im wondering the same thing, bc i leave in march for basics and tech school and ill be gone for 6 months and it will be at my grandparents house and well i dont forsee them driving my swapped rs around there town hahaha so what are other things to do? ohh and good luck at basics....

[me_jimmy]

The best place to store a car is out of the weather, preferably inside a building that's cool, dark, and dry. if the vehicle needs to be stored outside without an enclosure, at least cover it with a quality car cover that has thick, multi-layered fabric.

To help keep gasoline from deteriorating, pour a fuel stabilizer into the tank. Be sure to drive the car for about 10 miles after adding the stabilizer to make sure it gets circulated throughout the system. Normally, it's best to leave the tank full.

Other preparations that should be done before storing a vehicle:


> Change the oil and filter. Used oil contains acids, moisture, and other combustion byproducts that, over time, can cause corrosion inside the engine.


> Fill the engine with fresh oil and then drive the vehicle for a few miles to make sure the new oil gets thoroughly circulated.


> Pull the spark plugs and pour about a teaspoon of oil into each cylinder. Then replace the plugs. This will help coat the cylinders to prevent rust.


> Seal off engine openings with absorbent cotton to keep moisture out.

> Remove the battery and clean its top with a mixture of baking soda and water. Ideally, a trickle charger should be used to keep the battery fully charged while the vehicle is in storage.


> Top up all fluids, including transmission and rear axle. Also look at the color of the brake fluid. New brake fluid is clear. If the fluid in the car looks brown and dirty, the system needs to be flushed. Old brake fluid has a lot of moisture in it, which could cause rust in the system.

> Drain the cooling system. If one or both engine components are made of aluminum, leave the system empty—coolant can react with the aluminum, forming corrosion.

> If the car will be in storage for a year or more, support it on jackstands or blocks. This will take the weight off of the wheel bearings and suspension components. Also, remove the wheels and tires, lower the tire pressure slightly, and store them flat and out of sunlight. (i would do this even for a shorter time, tires get all stupid when parked for a while)

> If the wheels and tires will be left on the vehicle, add about 10 pounds of pressure to each tire. This will help prevent flat spots.

> Wash and wax the finish. Also, go over vinyl, leather,tires, and other rubber components with the proper type of protectant.

> If you wash the carpet and upholstery, let the vehicle air out until the inside is thoroughly dry. Sealing up a wet interior is a sure formula for mildew.

> Remove the wipers to keep them from taking a set. Also, wrap the wiper arms with a cloth so they don't scratch the windshield.


> To help prevent mice or other rodents from taking up residence in the car, seal the tailpipe and any other openings.
(LOL)

> Write down everything that you've done to prepare the vehicle for storage. This will make sure that you don't forget anything when getting it ready to go back on the road.

source (http://www.automedia.com/Vehicle_Storage_Tips/ccr20010601sv/1)

[WRXCMM]

very well copied jimbo lol

[M_anstrom]

Thanks, yea right now I'm packing all my stuff up (my room is full of boxes and I've only gotten my books boxed up!?!). The oil is extremely fresh so I'm not too worried about that. Main thing right now is my dad is on my tail to get all my stuff packed (though it's just going to sit in my room anyway just in boxes). I've nearly been running a garage sale out of my room getting rid of old things I don't need. Went from flat broke to $75 richer after someone came and bought some guitar equipment off of me. :D