Winter storage - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

ALLTHECAMS · 12-10-2016

I've always stored my cars with a full tank, but one of the guys in my Corvette Club says to store a C4 for the winter with less than a 1/4 tank because a couple of sensors in the tank can go bad. Is this true? Also, does anyone use fuel stabilizer like Sta-bil?
Thanks
Matt

A26B · 12-11-2016

I would recommend storing with a full tank treated with Sta-bil.

ALLTHECAMS · 12-11-2016

Quote:

Originally Posted by A26B

I would recommend storing with a full tank treated with Sta-bil.

That's what I thought. Thanks.

efnfast · 12-11-2016

I store my car full with a stabilizer from Amsoil.

BigJohn · 12-11-2016

Yeah, someone has to help the Amway Boys keep their 200 foot yacht open running!

Paul Workman · 12-11-2016

Quote:

Originally Posted by A26B

I would recommend storing with a full tank treated with Sta-bil.

on the full tank. Condensation is a REAL concern in winter.

However, my small engine mechanic steered me to Sea Foam, stating issues with (other stabilizer(s)).

I had the issues he was talking about with some small motors. But, someone had advised me to run a "stabilizer" additive and then run the tank dry before storing. As result, the jets got plugged on 3 different engines.

So! I don't know if the difference was having a full tank or not, but a full tank and SEA FOAM have yet to fail in over 15 years of winter storage of 9 engines.

Roadster · 12-11-2016

I know everyone has their own ways of storing their vehicles. I do agree with a full tank of fuel to avoid condensation during storage. But I guess what I don't understand is why people store their vehicles away for months and never start them at all.
Here in the Metro Philly area, it can get quite cold. But even though I wouldn't use the Z that much in the winter when I was still working, I would always start the engine at least once every 2 weeks. Back out of the garage and let warm up to operating temps and either drive around the block a few times or go for a 5 to 10 mile trip, depending of course on weather conditions. That way I am burning off any condensation build up and still get the pleasure of going for a ride. It would be real hard for me to have the Z or any other vehicle covered up and not used during the winter months in nice weather conditions.....
To those that do store, this is not a criticism of what you do, but JMO....

efnfast · 12-11-2016

I usually pick 2 or 3 nice days during the winter and back her out of the garage, I let it warm up, but can't take it for a drive.

WARP TEN · 12-11-2016

For both Corvettes and snow blower, I have never needed a fuel stabilizer here in Chicago. Maybe just lucky but all I do is fill the tanks. I check that the oil is also full, put the Corvette on a battery tender and increase tire inflation pressure to 40 pounds or so to minimize flat spotting. I used to run the tire pressure to 60 psi per a friend who stores (and restores) lots of classic cars but techs at Costco told me that valves were only warranted to 40 psi. I found that out when I developed a slow leak that turned out to be a defective valve (which they still kindly replaced for free). Probably could go 50 psi but I am sticking around 40 for now. Historically I never had a big problem with flat spotting using increased pressures for storage. I normally take insurance down to Comprehensive only so I don't drive them for roughly four months. A sad thought, but I am cheered by the fact that we have only ten more days until the days start getting longer

--Bob

Mystic ZR-1 · 12-11-2016

A cold start is the WORST condition for any engine.
Why do it every couple of weeks for 5 - 6 months?
Once in the Spring is fine. Minimizes wear.
A little over kill... but I put an electric space heater under
the car for several hours (car on jack stands) to warm things
up, it's called pre-heat in the aviation world, before starting in the Spring.
Oil pressure comes right up. During this drill, the running gear gets exercised too (with no load), even in neutral everything is turning.
Full tank with Stabil for storage, new oil and filter (run till warmed up) when putting to bed for "a long Winter's sleep".
Kleenex for the tears of withdrawl...
Mid April's just around the corner...
OBTW: A battery tender too.

12-10-2016	#1
ALLTHECAMS Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Bloomington, MN Posts: 127	Winter storage I've always stored my cars with a full tank, but one of the guys in my Corvette Club says to store a C4 for the winter with less than a 1/4 tank because a couple of sensors in the tank can go bad. Is this true? Also, does anyone use fuel stabilizer like Sta-bil? Thanks Matt __________________ 1991 ZR-1 #520 Arctic White/Gray

12-11-2016	#2
A26B Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Arcadia,OK Posts: 3,393	Re: Winter storage I would recommend storing with a full tank treated with Sta-bil. __________________ Jerry Downey JERRYS LT5 GASKETS & PARTS http://www.jerrysgaskets.com 1994 *ZR-1*, Black/Black, Lingenfelter Aerobody, 416cu in, 3.91 gears, coil-over susp, Brembo brakes, etc. 2016 Black-Red, 3LT-Z51 Auto 8-speed.

12-11-2016	#4
efnfast Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Dunbarton NH Posts: 7,449	Re: Winter storage I store my car full with a stabilizer from Amsoil.

12-11-2016	#5
BigJohn Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ledyard,CT Posts: 8,225	Re: Winter storage Yeah, someone has to help the Amway Boys keep their 200 foot yacht open running!

12-11-2016	#7
Roadster Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Warrington PA Posts: 1,914	Re: Winter storage I know everyone has their own ways of storing their vehicles. I do agree with a full tank of fuel to avoid condensation during storage. But I guess what I don't understand is why people store their vehicles away for months and never start them at all. Here in the Metro Philly area, it can get quite cold. But even though I wouldn't use the Z that much in the winter when I was still working, I would always start the engine at least once every 2 weeks. Back out of the garage and let warm up to operating temps and either drive around the block a few times or go for a 5 to 10 mile trip, depending of course on weather conditions. That way I am burning off any condensation build up and still get the pleasure of going for a ride. It would be real hard for me to have the Z or any other vehicle covered up and not used during the winter months in nice weather conditions..... To those that do store, this is not a criticism of what you do, but JMO.... __________________ Tom 1994 ZR-1 #009 "captured test fleet car" 1974 LS4 454 Vert 1974 L-82 355 Vert. 1982 L83 CFI...now a retired "dd"....Sold WAZOO Member

12-11-2016	#8
efnfast Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Dunbarton NH Posts: 7,449	Re: Winter storage I usually pick 2 or 3 nice days during the winter and back her out of the garage, I let it warm up, but can't take it for a drive.

12-11-2016	#9
WARP TEN Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lake Bluff, IL Posts: 2,085	Re: Winter storage For both Corvettes and snow blower, I have never needed a fuel stabilizer here in Chicago. Maybe just lucky but all I do is fill the tanks. I check that the oil is also full, put the Corvette on a battery tender and increase tire inflation pressure to 40 pounds or so to minimize flat spotting. I used to run the tire pressure to 60 psi per a friend who stores (and restores) lots of classic cars but techs at Costco told me that valves were only warranted to 40 psi. I found that out when I developed a slow leak that turned out to be a defective valve (which they still kindly replaced for free). Probably could go 50 psi but I am sticking around 40 for now. Historically I never had a big problem with flat spotting using increased pressures for storage. I normally take insurance down to Comprehensive only so I don't drive them for roughly four months. A sad thought, but I am cheered by the fact that we have only ten more days until the days start getting longer --Bob __________________ 2016 Long Beach Red Z06 #10281 "POPS Z" 1995 Polo Green #409 "WARP TEN"--Haibeck 350/510 package, 4.10s, Hurst, Stock Exhaust with QTP Cutouts --Sold but still running strong 1993 Quasar Blue #161 "HIL KING" --Sold but still running strong, now with more than 120,000 miles 1967 Marlboro Maroon/Saddle Corvette Coupe 300 hp/4-spd --Sold a long time ago ZR-1 Net Registry Founding Member #95 NCM Lifetime Member Favorite Quote--Attributed to Mickey Thompson: "Too Much Horsepower is Almost Enough"

12-11-2016	#10
Mystic ZR-1 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Mystic CT Posts: 2,632	Re: Winter storage A cold start is the WORST condition for any engine. Why do it every couple of weeks for 5 - 6 months? Once in the Spring is fine. Minimizes wear. A little over kill... but I put an electric space heater under the car for several hours (car on jack stands) to warm things up, it's called pre-heat in the aviation world, before starting in the Spring. Oil pressure comes right up. During this drill, the running gear gets exercised too (with no load), even in neutral everything is turning. Full tank with Stabil for storage, new oil and filter (run till warmed up) when putting to bed for "a long Winter's sleep". Kleenex for the tears of withdrawl... Mid April's just around the corner... OBTW: A battery tender too. Last edited by Mystic ZR-1; 12-11-2016 at 01:32 PM. Reason: .