Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, As some may know I received orders to Okinawa, Japan. I am storing my cars out doors under car covers(Srt8 and Srt4). The cars will be started and brought to operating temps and shut down. My question is what should I expect to see after my return. Three years is a very long time and I am very worried about the seals and so on. Has anyone out there ever stored a car for a great length of time?? :erm: Kevin
well,outdoor storage is tough.Depending on where you are located it can be very tough.If it were me I would put the car up on jackstands(under the control arms) and remove the wheels for indoor storage.Otherwise you will be guaranteed to need new tires when you return.I would also not worry about starting the motor and idling up to temp.Instead I would shut use fogging oil sprayed directly into the TB and kill the motor.....that will lube all the cylinders.Once the motor is shut down change the oil and filter....this needs to be done so any contaminants do not eat at the motor.Changing out the brake fluid would not be a bad idea either. If you are in a damp area then a dessicant bag inside would not be a bad idea.A bunch of bounce dryer sheets inside ,outside and in the trunk to keep the rodents away.There is much more but I will need to think about it.
I've never had to do this, so no first hand experience, but if I had to do it, i'de run it out of fuel completely, fill the motor up with oil, put it on jack stands, add moth balls everywhere i could, unhook the battery, and hope for the best. Maybe try to find a storage facility or family member to look after them. Good luck and thanks for the service. Edit: Wanted to clarify...when i say fill the motor up with oil, i mean to the top of the the fill hole, not the full mark on the dipstick. Completely full of oil, like 20 quarts (or whatever it would take).I would also completely fill the transmission and rear end with proper fluids. Just remember when you get back to drain and refill to proper level before cranking. You may want to put a tag on the fill port to remind you, or whomever. This is the standard procedure industrial plants use when storing gear boxes for long term. Could be 10 years plus. Drain and refill to proper level before use.
I know you have to use breathable covers. Otherwise you'll get moisture/condensation under the cover and it will ruin the paint, cause mold, etc. Maybe buy replacement covers so a new one can be put on at least once a year? I don't know of any that will last outside for 3 years. Mainly it's the sun that does them in.
I have stored a car several times for long periods and frankly when you are talking about times longer than a year, there is no getting around some kind of issue occurring. However here are a few tips I have learned over the years. 1. Flush your coolant and replace with new antifreeze. Antifreeze is primarily composed of Propylene Glycol, it is a simple sugar that turns acidic after frequent use or storage. If you want to avoid a replacing a head gasket or radiator from running her after storage, this is a good tip. 2. Perform and oil change, run the car for 10 minutes then change the oil again. This will get any contaminants out of the motor oil on flush the engine clean of debris and old oil deposits. 3. Spread moth balls and desiccant in the interior to soak up moisture and humidity, and keep the critters out (remove all food). I had a mouse build a nest under my shock boot once (I had a pound of corn in the strut, it sounded awesome:getlost 4. Either put the car on stands or pump up the tires to 50psi to reduce flat spots from forming. I would just replace the tires after 3 years (Rubber breaks down) 5. Pour a teaspoon of oil into your cylinders through the plug holes to keep your rings from seizing. 6. Remove the battery and place it on a battery saver mat 7. Use a good car cover if storing outside (sometimes the military storage fools don't allow this.) 8. Don't leave your parking brake on 9. If storing inside, keep a full tank of gas (Fumes might start a fire) A full tank prevents fumes from forming. 10. Pour a bottle of heat or stabil into the tank, the methanol will dry up any water that may form. It also raises the octane level enough to compensate for the drop over time. And last...most important. When you get back and start the car, remember the thing has not ran for 3 years so all the oil has dried off of the moving parts and seals. It is risky to start the motor dry like this. Pull your coil lead and crank the vehicle a few times at ten second intervals (so you don't kill the starter). This will build oil pressure and lubricate the engine at a slower speed than idle. Then let her rip, drive around and check the basics, then stop the car and check for leaks and noises. Finally, have the car serviced (Oil change, coolant etc ) and you should be good.
wow that would be brutal .. maybe it will be worth it to rent a garage so its at least out of the weather no? good luck man
my uncle told me they have these inflatable balls that u drive the car is and there is a fan to keep the moisture out and etc he said its about 500 dollars
Man yes you could do all the above. But in the end outside storage is hard on a car period! I really think you should start looking for indoor storage! There are company's in every state that will store the car with other cars and make sure its safe and taken care of. Yes they cost some money but the bottom line is that you will end up paying that amount once you get back to get the car up and running new again. http://www.indoorrv.com/auto-services.aspx If there not in your area I am sure they can point you to a company in your area to help you out.
Well, thanks for the help gents. The cars maybe stored indoors in the near future. I may just let my younger brothers and sisters drive the cars while overseas. I just wanted to let the rest of the Nation catch up the the milage I have on them. Again guys thanks for the help.....Kevin
