How to winterize/prep an E30 for storage?

[Jand3rson]

Last weekend I parked my car in the garage for storage over the winter, since I won't be driving it. It's an attached garage, and it doesn't get super cold. I'm going to be doing a ton of work on it like some tranny stuff, oil pan gasket, and lots of suspension and driveline work. I'm going to be removing the wheels and tires and putting the car up on jackstands next weekend to start pulling stuff, but what I need is a list of things I need to do before I leave it completely stationary for the winter. I tried searching but I didn't really find much, and I know there's at least a handful of guys that do the same with their E30s in the winter, so if you guys could give me a list of things I need to do, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

[AndrewBird]

Well, I would put it up on jack stands since you are going to be working on it and to prevent flat-spots on the tires.

I would also do something about the gas. If you have less then a quarter tank, I wouldn't worry about it much. That small amount of gas isn't going to matter after you bring it back out and fill it up.

If you have a lot of gas, I personally would drain it all out. Easiest would be to remove the fuel line from the injector rail and use the pump to pump all the gas out into a container. Then you can use that gas in another car.

Or you could get fuel stabilizer, but I personally don't like the idea of adding stuff to my gas.

Disconnect the battery also. This will prevent the ECU and radio etc... from draining it over time.

Past that, I don't think there is anything else you need to do.

[moatilliatta]

make sure you have enough antifreeze in your cooling system

[Jand3rson]

If you have a lot of gas, I personally would drain it all out. Easiest would be to remove the fuel line from the injector rail and use the pump to pump all the gas out into a container. Then you can use that gas in another car.

I could just go drive it all off... :D

[EWAustin]

I agree with everything said above, except I don't think draining the gas is that important. I've started cars (and driven then) that have sat for 3 years without any of that STA-BIL crap in there and there were no issues.

[Mike325]

Isn't it bad for the suspension to stay unsprung for that long?

[UNHCLL]

1. Go research the new ethanol fuels and the effects of storing a vehicle/motor for extended periods of time.
   
2. After you read that, realize Andrew spoke entirely incorrectly, and disregard everything he said. ;)
   
3. Fill the gas tank to the top. (use a high oct. fuel)
4. Do not add any additives like Stabil
   
5. Put carpet pads under the tires, don't worry about flat-spotting. If you are worried, put extra air in them... ~38-40PSI cold.
   
6. Disconnect the battery, put it inside where it wont be going through temp changes/sitting on a cold concrete floor.
   
7. Change the oil before you put it away. Drive the car just enough to get the new oil up to temp. and then park it.
   
8. Leave the windows cracked open a small amount if its going to be in the garage all winter. This keeps the inside from getting "musty" and mold from growing.
   
9. Treat the dashboard with your choice of product. I use Mothers.

I wouldnt worry about much else if you're going to be working on the car over the winter.

-CL

[Jand3rson]

Put carpet pads under the tires, don't worry about flat-spotting. If you are worried, put extra air in them... ~38-40PSI cold.

Wheels and tires are coming off so the wheels can be refinished and new tires installed, I'll also be doing brake work.

[DarkWing6]

Just get a fuel preservative for the gas. The problem isn't so much it being in the tank, but in the lines.

[UNHCLL]

Just get a fuel preservative for the gas. The problem isn't so much it being in the tank, but in the lines.

Wrong.

[DarkWing6]

What? Well, it sitting in the tank can cause it to end up cloging the lines....I guess I misspoke.

[UNHCLL]

Wrong again.

Want to try a 3rd time?

[Jand3rson]

Let's not, fellas. I got the answer I needed. This thread doesn't need to turn to shit.

[UNHCLL]

To make it worthwhile....

the new ethanol based fuels, when left standing for extended periods of time will seperate into 3 layers. This is NOT counter-acted by any additive. I don't care which one you buy, they are worthless.
This isnt a huge issue, except the seperation, when coupled with "open air" (IE: vented fuel system) causes the fuel to become corrosive, and it will ruin aluminum parts. This has already caused great issues with the marine industry.

It is not a great concern with the automotive industry, as most fuel systems are not vented. Secondly, if you fill the tank up to the max, you've even less likely to have any sort of seperation.

FWIW, I inadvertantly tested this theory over the summer. My 325is sat parked, imobile for ~4 months with almost no gas.. just a little less than 1/4 tank. It started on the first try, and has had no adverse effects since in the few times its been run. I did not add any stabilizer of any kind. Its a futile effort and waste of your money.


Fill the gas tank, forget about it. Thats all you need to do.

Best,
Chris

[Jand3rson]

Thanks, Chris.