storage tips

[GhettoPop]

Any storage tips? My chally is garaged all winter.  I added some Stabil to a full tank of gas. Also changed the oil (no filter). I always change both oil and filter in spring anyway. I may put the battery on a maintenance charger but I never have before and she always cranks right up in spring.  I also might throw a box of baking soda inside for sh*ts and giggles.  

Any other good ideas?

[Chryco Psycho]

Putit up on stands so the tires don`t get flat spots ?

[cuda]

I believe it is a good idea to start it up for 10 minutes every month to prevent seals from drying up. Mine will be parked for 6 months this winter

[GhettoPop]

I believe it is a good idea to start it up for 10 minutes every month to prevent seals from drying up. Mine will be parked for 6 months this winter

I've heard start it up once a month for 10 min so seals dont dry.  I've heard once a month for at least 20-30 minutes so so the car really warms up, and I've heard don't start it at all if your not gonna drive it since more condensation will build up? Which is right?

[Carlwalski]

Crank her over once a month for 10 minutes as cuda said, won't do any harm, and will give it's circle of life so to speak.
A few gentle revs won't hurt either, pop the hood and make sure everythings in good running order, while it's running  
I'm glad I don't live in some parts of America, we can drive all year around here, never snowed where I live and it ain't very cold in winter about 32-35F is as cold as it get's at night and during the day it's around 50F in the middle of winter  
But Summer is alot better with temps in the 30's  

Hang in there lads, just imagine the day you get to ride the bear after hibernation!!!  

[Autophile]

Turning the engine over regularly also helps exercise your valve springs, which can lose some seat pressure if they (some) are forced to sit compressed for long periods.  

If the car is on stands, then when you start the car, run the car through the gears in the trans to keep everything limber. Don't use the parking brake during storage.

Place a dessicant bag in the trunk, and a few in the passenger floorboards, which helps keep moisture down (avoid musty smell) and helps prevent rust too.

Laying a sheet of plastic on the ground under the car will reduce the amount of water vapor that seeps up from concrete floors.

That's all I can think of right now.

[GhettoPop]

Place a dessicant bag in the trunk, and a few in the passenger floorboards, which helps keep moisture down (avoid musty smell) and helps prevent rust too.

What is a dissicant bag? i must be retarted....

also, has anyone ever head of applying petroleum jelly on metal to slow down the spreading of rust?

[Autophile]

A dessicant bag is one of those little white sealed bags that you find included in electronics packaging, clothing, and some packaged foods. You know, it usually says "Do not eat" or something like that. It just a little bit of dry material to keep the moisture level down while the product is packaged and waiting for use. Anyway, they sell bigger bags of this stuff for keeping moisture down in large spaces, like RV's, cars, rooms, etc. Try Walmart, REI, military surplus stores, camping stores, etc.

Regarding petroleum jelly, I just bought a sword online that came coated with the stuff. So, perhaps it is pretty common to use it for rust prevention.

[Grancoupe]

As far as storing the motor goes, you may want to try fogging the motor if you have no intentions of starting it until next spring. I used to work at a marina up north, so the boating is far less than all year around. Unless your a maniac. Fogging the motor means running the motor until normal operating temp, then pour a can of Marvil Mystery Oil down the carb. Usualy you hope the motor stalls out but if it dosen't shut it off after ten seconds of pouring in the oil. I used to do it every winter until I got a garage. Check with your local marina if you have never heard of this. It coats the inside of the motor with oil and protect the inside of the cylinders and pistons. Dosn't winter suck!? Later