Storing a Race Car Over Winter

[LennyM1984]

Hi,

Looking for advice on whether to store my race car with a tank of stabilised fuel or an empty tank (it has a fuel sampling valve so I can empty the tank if need be).

The fuel cell is foam filled aluminium and the car is stored in a clean, dry storage facility.

I won't need it again until next February/March and so was planning to do the following:

Good clean
Fresh Oil
Full or empty fuel tank (TBC)
Battery Removed etc

Any thoughts/advice would be welcomed

[stevieturbo]

full tank of fuel. Empty only encourages moisture/corrosion etc

Although unless winter lasts a lot longer than expected, it's not a long time really

[drmotorsport]

I always put mine on axle stands, battery on Ctec conditioner, petrol tank emptied, dust cover.

[GreenV8S]

I would always go for a full tank unless it's in a temperature controlled environment, and even then I don't see any particular reason to empty it. The main point is to prevent condensation from collecting inside the tank - which it will do if there's air in it which is changing temperature.

[alfaspecial]

Beware of 'old' petrol.
https://misfuel-solutions.co.uk/e10petrol.htm#:~:t...

quote
The problem with Ethanol Blends E5 and E10Ethanol is hygroscopic, it will naturally absorb moisture from the air. Petrol is the opposite, it repels water. Whilst not a problem in a vehicle in regular use it can be a problem during storage. Fresh petrol in a full sealed container stored in a cool place can stay usable for up to 12 months. In a container that is not full or sealed it can become unusable in less than 6 months and in a warm environment less than 3 months.In a container that is not full or airtight it will go stale as essential components in petrol evaporate. The Ethanol will absorb moisture from air which can lead to the water-heavy Ethanol separating from the petrol and forming a separate layer (Phase Separation).The solutionsFuel stabilisers
There are products on the market designed to lengthen the shelf life of Ethanol blend petrol and work best in a full container/tank.Drain the tank and fuel system
The preferred option for those with carburettors is to drain the tank and then start and run the engine until it runs dry and stops. Thereby completely emptying the tank, fuel lines and carburettor. The drained fuel should be stored in suitable airtight containers. It can still be used though it is advisable to shake the container thoroughly to recombine any separation. If stored for over 3 months, mix it with more than 30% of fresh fuel
end quote