storing car......

[Celica RZ]

I'm storing vehicle away for the winter and I need some advice.

I'm taking the head off to have some parts prototyped and put on. How should I store it? maintenance? anything special I have to do?

VVTLIkick - I know you're gonna read this http://www.newcelica.org/ubb/biggrin.gif, what do you do for a living? just asking since you seem to be knoweldgable...

Thanks.

-Chee

[vvtlikick]

Yes, I'm going to read this http://www.newcelica.org/ubb/biggrin.gif.

I'm studying Computer Science at Eastern Michigan University. When I'm working, it's computers too. Most of my car knowledge is gained from magazines/books/etc, I actually don't have very much wrenching experience. My favorite automotive resource is my "Bosch Automotive Handbook, 4th Ed.". It's a only a small book, but it has alot of info.

As for your question, I don't know what to tell you other than what common sense tells me (i.e. don't let anything fall in the cylinders when the head's off <IMG SRC="http://www.newcelica.org/ubb/smilies/cwm1.gif" border=0>). Maybe somebody who has actually stored a car for the winter can give you a checklist or something.

As for myself, I'm driving my Celica this, and every winter (but it's okay, cause I love driving it <IMG SRC="http://www.newcelica.org/ubb/smilies/cwm11.gif" border=0>).

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[V8Celica]

Let's see, you could

Put a car cover on it. If you do, make sure to clean all the dirt and dust off the car. Cover will pick up dirt and use it to scratch the finish.

Empty most of the gass out of the gass tank, or put in a stabilizer.

Maybe put a box of baking soda in the car.

Disconnect the battery.

Since you are going to have the head off, put some plastic over the block and duct tape it shut.

I'm not sure about this one, but you might want to shine up your tires to prevent dry rot.

Before you start it in spring, you are going to want to inspect for small furry animals. They like to take up residence in parked vehicles. Fill the tank with fresh gass, or water eater. Change the oil, moisture could have condensed in the block and contaminated it. Charge the battery up.

That's all the bad ideas I can think of. Any one else have some?

[Phil C]

If the head is off pour a LITTLE extra oil into the cylinders to keep the rings oiled for when you start it back up. OVer the winter the oil will leak down across the rings keeping them lubricated. Go out to the local craft store and pick up a bucket of dessicant. Put it under the garbage bag you are taping down tight over the block.

Summit Racing sells bags they call "Engine Bags" which are meant for covering an engine you are rebuilding. That might be the best bet for keeping everything clean although they are meant for cases where the engine is entirely out of the car. Basically it is a big, thick, garbage bag with dessicant pockets in it to keep out the water.

To avoid flat-spotting the tires you MAY want to take the wheels off and put the car up on jack stands. You can also buy shaped pieces to put under the tires so the load is spread around them. I know that doesn't explain it well but I don't know how better to explain it. If you don't take either of those choices you need to make sure that the tires maintain a higer than normal amount of air pressure, if they get low the tires will deform and you'll get a nice bumpy ride in the spring.