Extended storage questions
Discussion
Well, it looks as though I may be going to play in the sand for awhile. So I am trying to get some plans made and am trying to figure out the best way to store my Esprit. Here are a few questions.
I have a new sealed Optima type battery and have a trickle charger that will turn on and off automatically that I plan on leaving connected. I am thinking of plugging it into a timer so it is only on about 12 hours a week just to be safe. I am planning on putting it on jack stands to save the tires and was wondering if I should have the stands placed so the suspension is compressed just like it would be if the tires were supporting it, or should the suspension be allowed to be in the expanded position? Also, what about fluids? I am thinking of putting in a fuel additive but what about the oil and cooling system? I will have a friend come by at least once a month to start it and let it run for about 30 min. I will leave it so the a/c is on so it will keep the O rings lubed etc.
Am I missing anything? Any suggestions?
Thanks
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
I have a new sealed Optima type battery and have a trickle charger that will turn on and off automatically that I plan on leaving connected. I am thinking of plugging it into a timer so it is only on about 12 hours a week just to be safe. I am planning on putting it on jack stands to save the tires and was wondering if I should have the stands placed so the suspension is compressed just like it would be if the tires were supporting it, or should the suspension be allowed to be in the expanded position? Also, what about fluids? I am thinking of putting in a fuel additive but what about the oil and cooling system? I will have a friend come by at least once a month to start it and let it run for about 30 min. I will leave it so the a/c is on so it will keep the O rings lubed etc.
Am I missing anything? Any suggestions?
Thanks
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
You might look at a battery tender instead of a trickle charger. The difference being that a trickle charger will potentially over-charge a battery and the battery tender will not. Battery tenders are not designed to charge a battery, just keep it topped off. just leave it on. Harbor Freight carries them and they are cheap. I have a couple on some extra batteries I have in the shop.
Dr.Hess
(Thank you for going to play in the sand so the rest of us don't have to.)
Dr.Hess
(Thank you for going to play in the sand so the rest of us don't have to.)
I have heard other people ask this same question about putting the car up on stands for the winter and I have always heard that it is better to leave them sit on their wheels and either increase the pressure in the wheels or place something under the wheel so it will not get a flat spot.
[quote=techspy]I am planning on putting it on jack stands to save the tires and was wondering if I should have the stands placed so the suspension is compressed just like it would be if the tires were supporting it, or should the suspension be allowed to be in the expanded position?
Also, what about fluids? I am thinking of putting in a fuel additive but what about the oil and cooling system?
I will have a friend come by at least once a month to start it and let it run for about 30 min. I will leave it so the a/c is on so it will keep the O rings lubed etc. [quote]
The suspension should be kept in the normal ride position. The bushings don't rotate about the pivot pin. The rubber twists and stretches to allow movement but returns to the normal ride height rest position. If you allow the suspension to stay at full droop for an extended period of time, the rubber will be held at a large deflection all that time and you could ruin a set of suspension bushings.
Given a choice between protecting the bushings or the tires, I would favor the bushings. Tires are easier to replace.
One solution that serves both is to invest in a set of junker rims and tires. Anything that will bolt up. They can be narrow and the tires can be used junker take offs from the tire stores re-cycle bin. They only have to hold the car up and allow it to be rolled if it needs to be moved during storage. Nothing you would drive on.
Alternatively, put the car on stands and allow the suspension to hang. Then loosen all the pivot points so the bushings are free to seek a neutral position. It will mean more work preparing the car to drive again, but both the tires and bushings will be unloaded.
Put in fresh oil before storing. Change it, then run the engine just long enough to ensure that the fresh oil has circulated into all the bearings. Don't allow old, acidic oil sit in the bearings for an extended period of time.
A full cooling chemical flush isn't necessary, but it would be good to drain and refill with fresh coolant.
Definitely put Sta-bil or a similar product in the fuel tanks and drive the car long enough to make sure it works it's way into the full fuel system. Not just the tanks. Top off the tanks to minimize the air volume in the tanks. Free air will expand and contract with temp changes and "breathe" ambient humidity into the tanks. Less air space means less moisture condensation in the tanks.
From the engine's point of view, it would be best if you didn't start it. Spray fogging oil into the cylinders and then spin the engine over with the plugs out to thoroughly coat the cylinder walls with oil. Then put the plugs in to seal the holes but never start the engine again until it's ready to come out of storage.
Starting the engine will wash/ burn the oil off the cylinders and put a fresh load of water from the combustion process into the engine and exhaust. It will also put combustion blow-by products into that fresh oil you put in before storage.
If you're going to put it into storage, do a complete job of preping it and then leave it. If you want to keep it semi-alive and run it from time to time, then insure it, give your friend the keys, agree to a limited mileage allowance and keep it on the road.
Keep your head down and stay safe...
... and thanks.
Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
Also, what about fluids? I am thinking of putting in a fuel additive but what about the oil and cooling system?
I will have a friend come by at least once a month to start it and let it run for about 30 min. I will leave it so the a/c is on so it will keep the O rings lubed etc. [quote]
The suspension should be kept in the normal ride position. The bushings don't rotate about the pivot pin. The rubber twists and stretches to allow movement but returns to the normal ride height rest position. If you allow the suspension to stay at full droop for an extended period of time, the rubber will be held at a large deflection all that time and you could ruin a set of suspension bushings.
Given a choice between protecting the bushings or the tires, I would favor the bushings. Tires are easier to replace.
One solution that serves both is to invest in a set of junker rims and tires. Anything that will bolt up. They can be narrow and the tires can be used junker take offs from the tire stores re-cycle bin. They only have to hold the car up and allow it to be rolled if it needs to be moved during storage. Nothing you would drive on.
Alternatively, put the car on stands and allow the suspension to hang. Then loosen all the pivot points so the bushings are free to seek a neutral position. It will mean more work preparing the car to drive again, but both the tires and bushings will be unloaded.
Put in fresh oil before storing. Change it, then run the engine just long enough to ensure that the fresh oil has circulated into all the bearings. Don't allow old, acidic oil sit in the bearings for an extended period of time.
A full cooling chemical flush isn't necessary, but it would be good to drain and refill with fresh coolant.
Definitely put Sta-bil or a similar product in the fuel tanks and drive the car long enough to make sure it works it's way into the full fuel system. Not just the tanks. Top off the tanks to minimize the air volume in the tanks. Free air will expand and contract with temp changes and "breathe" ambient humidity into the tanks. Less air space means less moisture condensation in the tanks.
From the engine's point of view, it would be best if you didn't start it. Spray fogging oil into the cylinders and then spin the engine over with the plugs out to thoroughly coat the cylinder walls with oil. Then put the plugs in to seal the holes but never start the engine again until it's ready to come out of storage.
Starting the engine will wash/ burn the oil off the cylinders and put a fresh load of water from the combustion process into the engine and exhaust. It will also put combustion blow-by products into that fresh oil you put in before storage.
If you're going to put it into storage, do a complete job of preping it and then leave it. If you want to keep it semi-alive and run it from time to time, then insure it, give your friend the keys, agree to a limited mileage allowance and keep it on the road.
Keep your head down and stay safe...
... and thanks.
Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
Thanks for all the info. I am leaning towards leaving it in a semi drivable condition as I may be able to get back every 3 months or so. The charger I have is a maintainer type charger.
Thanks,
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
Thanks,
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
enzomn said:
Would it be a good idea to unhook the battery if you are going to store it for the winter? Just wondering
Hi,
Many people agree with you on this. But there is another school of thought, me amongst them, which believes keeping the battery hooked up with a maintainer is the way to go.
The reasoning is that a minute electrical charge is present in the system which wards off corrosion both at the connectors and inside the wiring's insulation.
British cars (especially Lucas systems) are prone to all sorts of electrical issues (they're famous for it), anything which mitigates this has to be a good thing. In the 8+ years I have owned my Esprit, I've never experienced any electrical gremlins, anecdotal I agree, but it works for me.
Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE
my concern is that a battery give off vapors no matter what.. and if it is in the car the rear boot will be slowly corroding whenever there is a battery there. I say remove it...
the Most important thing about storage is to me DRY... it matters 10 times more than anything. Cold is good too.. My judge of any storage facility is to look at how long the brake discs stay shiney. They should be shiny after 3 months, if orange id not store in that pplace... The colder the better too.. all deterioration of the materials is slowed with low temp.
Radial tires dont flat spot... that is from the old Bias ply days... i think the Lotus can sit on it suspension just fine.. there is not a lot of travel anyway. On a more floaty car there may be some benefit to have the suspension partially unweighted..but for sure not on Jack stands..that will distort rubber suspension buhings.
I say remove the battery, do the battery charge/maintenance in your basement.. and cover the car. Keep the gas tanks filled and add some stabilizer. I have been storing cars for the winter and longer and never had any flat spot tires.
the Most important thing about storage is to me DRY... it matters 10 times more than anything. Cold is good too.. My judge of any storage facility is to look at how long the brake discs stay shiney. They should be shiny after 3 months, if orange id not store in that pplace... The colder the better too.. all deterioration of the materials is slowed with low temp.
Radial tires dont flat spot... that is from the old Bias ply days... i think the Lotus can sit on it suspension just fine.. there is not a lot of travel anyway. On a more floaty car there may be some benefit to have the suspension partially unweighted..but for sure not on Jack stands..that will distort rubber suspension buhings.
I say remove the battery, do the battery charge/maintenance in your basement.. and cover the car. Keep the gas tanks filled and add some stabilizer. I have been storing cars for the winter and longer and never had any flat spot tires.
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