2005-2014 Mustangs Discussions on the latest S197 model Mustangs from Ford.

Engine semi-storage

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 23, 2008 | 06:33 PM
  #1  
Riptide's Avatar
Riptide
Thread Starter
6th Gear Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,193
From: Montaner
Default Engine semi-storage

The weather has been crap now for almost two weeks and I haven't driven the car.

How long can I let it sit? I've heard you want to start it occasionally to keep the seals and gaskets from drying out.

I want to drive it again just as soon as the roads clear up. But around this time of year that could be another couple weeks, possibly longer.

Oil in crankcase has 2000 miles on it.
Old Dec 23, 2008 | 06:35 PM
  #2  
2cokeman's Avatar
2cokeman
5th Gear Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,471
From: Ontario,Canada
Default

No problems to leave it sit, the seals won't dry out anytime soon, what about people that store their cars for years at a time with no issues, or at least the winter months?
Old Dec 23, 2008 | 06:50 PM
  #3  
Riptide's Avatar
Riptide
Thread Starter
6th Gear Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,193
From: Montaner
Default

Maybe cars are different now but I have a buddy who was into mopars back in the 70s and he tells me it used to be an issue with older engines.
Old Dec 23, 2008 | 06:52 PM
  #4  
ford4v429's Avatar
ford4v429
3rd Gear Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 739
From:
Default

best thing in winter is keep the gas tank full- otherwise it will suck in more air with temp swings, leading to corrosion in the tank- same wether you drive it or not...
Would start at least every 2 weeks to keep battery charged AND keep oil up in the motor- just let it run long enough to fully warm up to clear up condensation in the exhaust...yes its stainless, but its a low grade stainless and still slowly degrades.
moving the car at least a little should help prevent flat spotting the tires, although radials typically will smooth out within a mile or so anyways. Ive got 4 cars that we dont drive in winter due to the salt, they fare better than my winter beaters that just sit all summer neglected...both my windstar and Mark VII sat over the last couple summers, and both need rack and pinions replaced(leaks), so I'd say cranking the steering lock to lock to keep oil circulated every couple weeks would be cheep insurance too.

Also if you have a 'part year' car, my advice is NEVER put carbon metallic brake pads on it- I put them on my windstar, my Mark VII, AND my 85 camaro, no squeal, great braking- but when they sat more than a couple months galvanic corrosion ate the heck out of the rotors...if you drive regularly, they are great, but if they sit, expect severe rusting of the rotors where the pads sit. never had more than light staining of the rotors with organic pads, even if the car sat over a year.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Nick Oliver
V6 S197 General Discussion
6
Oct 17, 2018 04:22 AM
AmericanMuscle4.6GT
2005-2014 Mustangs
7
Nov 10, 2015 02:06 PM
rksnow1
Motor Swap Section
0
Sep 14, 2015 08:46 PM
TfcCDR
V6 (1994-2004) Mustangs
1
Sep 14, 2015 12:08 PM
Pyrate Dave
5.0L (1979-1995) Mustang
8
Sep 10, 2015 07:30 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:46 AM.