Winterizing Engine

[nivvy]

Some of you may remember all of my freeze plugs issues after last winter and I dont wanna go through that again.... so my question is what do you guys do to"winterize" your motor! I have new 50/50 antifreeze in there as last year I forgot all about it lucky my block didnt split! any thoughts??? thx!

Or should I completely drain the block??

[BIGSHCLUNK]

50/50 always worked for me, a little oil in the cyls don't hurt either / no dry starts come spring! 

[quagmire]

Also make sure to throw some fuel stabilizer in the gas tank and let it run for 5 minutes or so.  If the oil isn't fresh that should be changed too.  As long as the coolant is good there really is no need to drain it.  If you are worried about flash rusting of the cylinders or dry starts in spring use an engine fogging spray before you store it and prime it in the spring with the plugs out and ignition disabled to circulate the oil. 

[dodge freak 2]

 With 50/50 antifreeze, it have no problems. That stuff is good to like 30 below zero and even after that it won't freeze rock hard like straight water will.

If its garaged, I just changing the oil and make sure theres a half tank or more gas in it. If its outside, taking the plugs out and spraying oil would help stop rust.

Mine stays in the garage, come spring, I top up the fuel bowls, pour some gas straight down the carb and fire it right up. Run it for like 5 mins, its good to go.

You might want to rock the car now and then so the tires don't get a flat spot, some guys put the car up on blocks, this way the springs are off load.

[nivvy]

It has fresh oil and antifreeze and is garaged stored....I will throw some fuel stabilizer in it...

[4Cruizn]

Remember to unhook the battery and put it on a trickle charger. Then throw either moth balls or a couple dryer sheets in the interior for the rodents.  I usually would spray down my chrome wheels to help prevent against rust too.    

[nivvy]

spray wheels down with what?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

spray wheels down with what?

Some use WD-40. I haven't tried that yet. I don't know how difficult it would be to get it off next spring. 


  Mike

[4Cruizn]

WD-40 is what I used.  Just to keep an oil coating on them.  In the spring, I would pull the rims and clean them up and then reinstall! The stuff comes off with little effort.   I think that has helped save my cragers and kept them looking good.  

[cowboy]

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What about mouse / rat traps, - noone have the need of that...

[Jacksboys]

I have heard from someone on here to put a bag of charcoal under the car, but I cannot remember the reason why.   

[70RTdroptop]

I think the idea behind the charcoal is to absorb any excess moisture before it can get to the underside of the car. I have read that some people will take a full sheet of plywood and dump a couple bags of charcoal on it, then place the whole thing under the car. I guess that is supposed to last for a couple seasons worth. Sounds like an idea that makes a lot of sense, actually.

[Super Blue 72]

Some use WD-40. I haven't tried that yet. I don't know how difficult it would be to get it off next spring. 


  Mike

Good idea but make sure you don't get any on the paint.  My friend with a '68 Charger got some on the paint and there was a small chip there and now there is a 6" diameter area where the paint is lifting! 

[Jacksboys]

I think the idea behind the charcoal is to absorb any excess moisture before it can get to the underside of the car. I have read that some people will take a full sheet of plywood and dump a couple bags of charcoal on it, then place the whole thing under the car. I guess that is supposed to last for a couple seasons worth. Sounds like an idea that makes a lot of sense, actually.

Okay thanks 

[vinb]

Buy four cheap jack stands and let the suspension hang that way the tires will be ok and it helps the shocks & springs.
If you can start it up, do it every two weeks, warm up the engine until the temp is up and run it thru the gears to keep the trans & rear lubed. 
 If its dry out and the roads are clean I take mine out all year for a ride. Runs better in cold weather..