My first help question. Storage!!!!!

[MassiveAttack]

My Formula has been in storage for the last 3 months. What should I do before I get her out and start driving her again. I mean the oil was changed right before I put her away. This is the first time I have ever stored my car over winter, so I am looking for some helpful advise before I fire her back up.

[jeffd1979]

Originally posted by MassiveAttack
My Formula has been in storage for the last 3 months. What should I do before I get her out and start driving her again. I mean the oil was changed right before I put her away. This is the first time I have ever stored my car over winter, so I am looking for some helpful advise before I fire her back up.

Not really much you need to do.. i would check the oil level to make sure it is normal... has the battery been on a trickle charger? Just fire her up let her idle for about 60 seconds then take her around the block.. i would keep the rpms under 2k till she gets to operating temp...

[FastAl]

3 months isn't all that long of a time. I might add some HEAT type stuff to the gas. You can pull the spark plugs and add a tiny big of oil into each cylinder, also you might pull the coil pack harnesses and crank the car for a few seconds to get oil moving. Or crank the car by hand.

[MassiveAttack]

Thanks for the info. Exactly the type of things I was wanting to know. The Formula was my daily driver for 4 years. So 3 months has been pure agony for me.

[XTrooper]

Buy a Battery Tender or similar brand device to maintain your battery. It will save you a lot of grief later. Yes, I learned this the hard way. :umm: :cool:

[FUTURESTRADER]

Great to see you back Steve. :beer:

Mac

[MassiveAttack]

Originally posted by XTrooper
Buy a Battery Tender or similar brand device to maintain your battery. It will save you a lot of grief later. Yes, I learned this the hard way. :umm: :cool:

I guess I should have posted the question "I am going to store my car, what should I do." 3 months ago :( Oh well live and learn.

[Marvin]

Gasoline will loose octane over time... I'd say fill up the car with fresh high octane gas every 75-100 miles until you cycled out the tank that sat over the winter.

[Constrictor]

Theres some great tips in here, specially the one about the battery tender. It is a great tool. One thing I cant stress enough is for future reference, you should change your oil before putting the car in storage. Used oil has pollutants in it that just sit there over time and thats not something you want in your engine. Put fresh oil in right before storing! :D

[MassiveAttack]

Originally posted by Constrictor
Theres some great tips in here, specially the one about the battery tender. It is a great tool. One thing I cant stress enough is for future reference, you should change your oil before putting the car in storage. Used oil has pollutants in it that just sit there over time and thats not something you want in your engine. Put fresh oil in right before storing! :D

That was the one thing I did do. Brand new Mobil 1 the day she went into storage.

[killer01ws6]

Much good info already said,
I would say not to get on it hard for a little while. Just a day or two will not kill ya before you drop the hammer;)

[jmd]

At 3 months, the fuel should be fine, just run er low then fill er up.

Enjoy it. :)

[Eugenio_SS]

just make sure the battery has enough juice, tires have enough pressure and turn the key.
I do that every spring, and go burn the whole tank of gas out of enjoyment... like getting a brand new car every spring... can't wait till it happens.

[02bluez]

there may be some flat spots on your tires, but they go away once the tires warm up. at lest mine do after its been sitting all winter

[Oztek]

Make sure the tires are properly filled, check the battery, and drive slowly for the first tank.

<sigh> Two more months before my baby comes out. :(

[MassiveAttack]

Originally posted by Oztek
Make sure the tires are properly filled, check the battery, and drive slowly for the first tank.

<sigh> Two more months before my baby comes out. :(

I know I should probably let mine sit for a little longer. It is just getting so hard. I mean I have been driving a Ford Taurus during the last 3 months. :mad:

I can't wait :drive:

[stevews602]

I'd just take it easy for the first few miles.
Not knowing where it's been sitting, I'd check for anyone who might have made it their home while it is was sitting.
I've had mice set up home in my engine bay twice when I had a car sit for a few months.