View Full Version : My first winter storage,.. any advice
Ok so this will be my first official winter with my Cobra completely done,.. any advice on storage? how often should I start her up? how long should I let her run? should I disconnect the battery cables? Should I cover it? Should I drain the oil? what is the usual process for winter storage?
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/rome_011/IMG_6725.jpg
AZPete
11-05-2012, 10:16 PM
Cool paint job, Rome! Here in AZ we store in the summer so I don't know about winter storage but I'd say the first step is a Battery Tender. Oh, and next is a 'to do' list - there must be a few projects you'd like to do. Did I mention I like your paint job?
Pete
efnfast
11-06-2012, 02:27 AM
Just disconnect the battery and park it until you're ready to drive it again in the spring. That simple.
Jeff Kleiner
11-06-2012, 05:49 AM
I pull mine in the garage, shut it off and take the keys inside the house.
Jeff
mrmustang
11-06-2012, 06:24 AM
Ok so this will be my first official winter with my Cobra completely done,.. any advice on storage? how often should I start her up? how long should I let her run? should I disconnect the battery cables? Should I cover it? Should I drain the oil? what is the usual process for winter storage?
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/rome_011/IMG_6725.jpg
Where are you located?
Typical winter storage is as follows:
Top off gas tank, add stabil fuel stabilizer, place plastic tarp on floor, park car on top of it to prevent humidity from wicking up through your concrete floor. If you have a battery switch, turn it off, then attach an automatic trickle charger to it. Throw a cover over it if you like and you are done.
Bill S.
Tony Zullo
11-06-2012, 08:55 AM
Hi guys the best way is take the battery out ans bring it in the house were it's not so cold,and a good fuel additive is startron blue bottle it's great for our gas..and don't start it till you'r ready to drive it next year..
Tony z @ffr
Guy Roy
11-06-2012, 09:05 AM
I agree with Bill, this is typical for New England winters.
Follow those instructions and everything should be good for spring.
thanks Mr.Mustang
turbonut48
11-06-2012, 01:27 PM
I do all of the above AND pump up the tires about 10-15 lbs over so they dont flat spot.
The Nut
Bob Cowan
11-06-2012, 07:47 PM
My best advice.... Don't do it! Why would you? I moved to CO from Upstate NY (Rome/Utica). The winters did seem to be interminable. But every now and then you'd get a nice day. Wouldn't you just love to get the Roadster out on those days?
blueoval_bowtie_guy
11-06-2012, 08:10 PM
Where are you located?
Typical winter storage is as follows:
Top off gas tank, add stabil fuel stabilizer, place plastic tarp on floor, park car on top of it to prevent humidity from wicking up through your concrete floor. If you have a battery switch, turn it off, then attach an automatic trickle charger to it. Throw a cover over it if you like and you are done.
Bill S.
I do everything Bill does except the tarp. I never thought of the tarp.
If possible add fuel stabilizer and then fill up with non ethanol fuel, sometimes premium will be non ethanol, and drive it home to get the stabilizer into the carb. If you can't get non ethanol fuel....pray.
cob427sc
11-06-2012, 09:04 PM
I keep mine ready to go all winter, even here in Massachusetts. You do get that great day with clear dry roads, throw on a heavy coat and go for a short drive (which charges the battery, keeps everything lubricated, etc.). I've driven my varios FFR cars every month of the year.
Doug DiNunzio
11-07-2012, 12:13 AM
Amen on the Batter tender. I used to just disconnect my battery, but living in Mass at the time, the car was off the road for 4-5 months at a time, and I ended up going through batteries every couple of years. I bought a Battery Minder and it did a great job maintaining the battery. 4 years later, still running on the same battery. It was a wise purchase. Here is the brand I chose to use, I'm sure others work well too.
http://batteryminders.com/store.php?spawner=nav&&app=auto
Thank you SO much guys for your responses. Now I know exactly what to do.
Cool paint job, Rome! Here in AZ we store in the summer so I don't know about winter storage but I'd say the first step is a Battery Tender. Oh, and next is a 'to do' list - there must be a few projects you'd like to do. Did I mention I like your paint job?
Pete
Thanks AZ...
Where are you located?
Typical winter storage is as follows:
Top off gas tank, add stabil fuel stabilizer, place plastic tarp on floor, park car on top of it to prevent humidity from wicking up through your concrete floor. If you have a battery switch, turn it off, then attach an automatic trickle charger to it. Throw a cover over it if you like and you are done.
Bill S.
you sir are just a wealth of knowledge. I am in Maryland btw. and thank you
rich grsc
11-07-2012, 06:05 PM
I pull mine in the garage, shut it off and take the keys inside the house.
Jeff
Exactly, because you never know when a sunny day will drag you out on the road, cold or not.!
trublue
11-08-2012, 08:02 AM
In addition to the already stated excellent suggestions, I put gym socks over the tips of the side exhaust pipes and place Bounce softener sheets under the hood and in the cockpit to prevent small rodent nesting, food(nuts, grains etc) storage in the cylinders, and damage to wire insullation. I also keep a small space heater on at 55 degrees to keep metal parts from sweating when temps fluctuate.
CraigS
11-08-2012, 03:56 PM
Since I have a top and heat I drive mine all year around as long as it's dry. I learned the hard way on our outboard boat 3 yrs ago to use this fuel additive.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11151_10001_14360_-1?cid=sc_google&creative=16470102604&gclid=CLj56refwLMCFUid4Aod2TsAmQ
The problem w/ ethanol gas is that it sucks moisture out of the air. This stuff prevents that. It's cheap at about $15 per bottle and one oz treats 10 gal of gas. So add this to your tank, drive it around a little so it mixes, and your gas will be good. BTW, the current thinking in the boat world is to have as little gas in the tank as possible. I actually pump the tank dry on the boat and drain the gas from the engine injection system and fuel filter. I think you will find in our area, there will be enough days during the winter that you can bundle up and go for a 15 minute drive, that totally disabling the car isn't needed. Good luck.
mydream
11-10-2012, 04:08 PM
I pull mine in the garage, PUT A FRESH COAT OF WAX, shut it off and take the keys inside the house.
Jeff
Fixed it for ya bud
Jeff Kleiner
11-10-2012, 05:42 PM
Fixed it for ya bud
:p
Look for a PM tomorrow.
Jeff
Timbob From Texas
11-11-2012, 11:04 PM
Hey everyone - this might help. Sta-Bil makes a product specifically for fighting the effects of Ethanol in the fuel system.
Here is the link: http://www.goldeagle.com/brands/stabil/
Keep the gasoline fresh, and prevent Ethanol problems at the same time.
Mesa Mike
11-12-2012, 07:03 PM
Ship it out to AZPete and let him drive it around during your cold winter.
AZPete
11-12-2012, 10:15 PM
Good suggestion, Mike, because my garage is empty awaiting an 818.
Rome, just wax it and pay the insurance before shipping and I'll run it enough to keep the seals moist and the battery up, maybe more.
Maybe you should send along a second set of rear tires.
Pete
mydream
11-16-2012, 08:31 AM
:p
Look for a PM tomorrow.
Jeff
.....still looking ;-)
Jeff Kleiner
11-16-2012, 12:59 PM
.....still looking ;-)
Yeah, I know...still writing... you know how I usually do it...a few lines per day over a week or more :rolleyes:
Got kinda' busy pulling an engine and trans for "somebody's" roadster build last weekend plus being pretty tied up with real work. I'm in the process of telling you all about it (should probably just pick up the phone and call ;))
Jeff
mydream
11-16-2012, 03:14 PM
Yeah, I know...still writing... you know how I usually do it...a few lines per day over a week or more :rolleyes:
Got kinda' busy pulling an engine and trans for "somebody's" roadster build last weekend plus being pretty tied up with real work. I'm in the process of telling you all about it (should probably just pick up the phone and call ;))
Jeff
No worries eh, just pulling you chain. Take your time.. That "somebody" is really important...
Now back to topic.
I parked my car, pumped up the tires, added gas stabilizer, battery trickle charger, still need to put a coat of WAX and still debating if I should jack it up??? I will be adding a floor mat or plastic tarp over the garage drain. I keep my garage at 59 degrees, so humidity should remain low.