winterizing
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 90
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From: Upstate New York
winterizing
anyone have any tips or links that would aid in winter storage...it will be in my garage this winter but as for other things everyone seems to have their own and usually contradicting opinion if anyone has any info regarding how often to start it or to start it at all ? stuff like that...thanks guys
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, NY
Winter Storage......
I have been protecting my Zs from the harsh winters in the northeast for over 25 years now. For those of you who missed it a few weeks ago, here is z-car winter storage info for those of us who must put our Zs to sleep for the winter:
1) Wash, wax, vacumn, treat rubber seals.
2) Change oil/filter. Check all fluids.
3) Fill gas tank.
4) Park INSIDE in a dry garage.
5) Park on a moisture barrier such as a plastic tarp or plywood. DO NOT use carpeting as it hold moisture.
6) Put gas stabilizer in the tank, follow manufacturers directions.
7) Check air pressure in tires.
8) Remove battery, place indoors such as in your basement. NOTE!!!! On the 350z lower windows an inch or so BEFORE disconnecting battery to prevent damage with the auto-lowering window system! Windows should be left open a bit to let air circulate in the interior anyway.
9) Cover car with a good car cover (soft underside) to keep off dust, animals, etc. and protect the finish.
IF YOU MUST START THE CAR DURING STORAGE:
- Let the car reach normal operating temperature, and then some!
- Drive the car a couple of miles when the roads are dry. This will burn off all condensation in the exhaust system, block and manifolds. It will also burn off all fuel and not let it possible contaminate the oil. The coolant will also fully circulate through the block to prevent corrosion.
- IF YOU DO THIS, the gas will have to be re-stabilized and the battery removed again.
My Zs have hibernated for many a winter without being started for up to 4 months with no ill effects.
DO NOT put the car "up on blocks" to save "flat spots" on the tires. The suspension must be supported or bear weight to prevent warpage and stress on key suspension parts. Modern radial tires can sit idle for months without problems.
In conclusion, keep the car DRY, keep moving parts LUBRICATED and keep rubber parts PLIABLE. It may seem like a chore, but your Z will be very happy for years!
Z on!
70 zcar (gold, stock, award winner)
78 zcar (blue, modified, autocross)
84 zcar (grey, turbo, driver)
03 zcar (LeMans Sunset, Enthusiast, February!)
1) Wash, wax, vacumn, treat rubber seals.
2) Change oil/filter. Check all fluids.
3) Fill gas tank.
4) Park INSIDE in a dry garage.
5) Park on a moisture barrier such as a plastic tarp or plywood. DO NOT use carpeting as it hold moisture.
6) Put gas stabilizer in the tank, follow manufacturers directions.
7) Check air pressure in tires.
8) Remove battery, place indoors such as in your basement. NOTE!!!! On the 350z lower windows an inch or so BEFORE disconnecting battery to prevent damage with the auto-lowering window system! Windows should be left open a bit to let air circulate in the interior anyway.
9) Cover car with a good car cover (soft underside) to keep off dust, animals, etc. and protect the finish.
IF YOU MUST START THE CAR DURING STORAGE:
- Let the car reach normal operating temperature, and then some!
- Drive the car a couple of miles when the roads are dry. This will burn off all condensation in the exhaust system, block and manifolds. It will also burn off all fuel and not let it possible contaminate the oil. The coolant will also fully circulate through the block to prevent corrosion.
- IF YOU DO THIS, the gas will have to be re-stabilized and the battery removed again.
My Zs have hibernated for many a winter without being started for up to 4 months with no ill effects.
DO NOT put the car "up on blocks" to save "flat spots" on the tires. The suspension must be supported or bear weight to prevent warpage and stress on key suspension parts. Modern radial tires can sit idle for months without problems.
In conclusion, keep the car DRY, keep moving parts LUBRICATED and keep rubber parts PLIABLE. It may seem like a chore, but your Z will be very happy for years!
Z on!
70 zcar (gold, stock, award winner)
78 zcar (blue, modified, autocross)
84 zcar (grey, turbo, driver)
03 zcar (LeMans Sunset, Enthusiast, February!)
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