How to winterize/prep an E30 for storage?

[golde30]

i have an e30 thats been sitting over a year, had a full tank of gas, started rite up a couple weeks ago.

on the flip side, when i stored my datsun for 3 yrs, i emptied the gas tank, and left all the other fluids inside. gas tank rusted on the inside, the engine was fine and fired rite up with a new gas tank....

[Jand3rson]

Not everything is about you and your specific situation Josh. Others will likely reference this thread as winter draws nearer.



-C

Well that's fascinating Chris, but there's no need to be a dick about it.

My last response (including the "like I said") was not meant to be rude, it was for Dave in case he hadn't seen that we'd discussed flat spotting.

[UNHCLL]

Like I said, the wheels are coming off to get refinished and get new tires, so I'm not worried about flat spots.

Not everything is about you and your specific situation Josh. Others will likely reference this thread as winter draws nearer.



-C

[Jand3rson]

I can ditto Langsten. I used to store my vert most of the winter - and never put Sta-Bil in it. Just filled it up.

The flatspotting I got wore out in a couple days - so I never worried much about it.

Like I said, the wheels are coming off to get refinished and get new tires, so I'm not worried about flat spots.

[mrsleeve]

OK the real reason to fill the tank (old school before the new blend fuels) the more gas is less air and water vapor. With winters up and down temps you can get condensation build up on the wall inside the tank and run down into the fuel.
Water being heavier than gas it goes to the bottom thus making spring revival a bit frustrating.

[Dave]

I can ditto Langsten. I used to store my vert most of the winter - and never put Sta-Bil in it. Just filled it up.

The flatspotting I got wore out in a couple days - so I never worried much about it.

[Graham325]

I had a e30 sit for almost 8 months with nothing in the gas and it drove fine, no problems whatsoever

[Jand3rson]

Thanks, Chris.

[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]

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

[UNHCLL]

Wrong again.

Want to try a 3rd time?

[DarkWing6]

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

[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]

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

[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.