I missed the staff meeting but the minutes show "Too_Many_Tools"
wrote back on 12 Dec 2004 11:54:02 -0800 in
rec.crafts.metalworking :
It looks like I will be helping a friend prepare a number of tractors,
cars and trucks for long storage.

What are the issues to consider for a successful storage?

How long, what's the local climate, indoors or outside? This is
something which comes up occasionally on the misc.survivalism newsgroup;
google is your friend.

Batteries, fuel, tires and RUST all come to mind.
Thanks for any advice you can offer.

"Back in the old days" before pulling engines for storage, we'd pour a
liter of oil down the carb with the engine running. It certainly made sure
the cylinders were oiled down to prevent rust. Of course, new plugs go in
when you start it back up.

Best option to store vehicles: In a dry cave. Humidity low, air temp
stable, no insolation to raise the ambient photon flux, with resulting
variances in thermal gradients. (Out of the sun, there's no light to fade
paint, or temperature changes to work insidious magic.) Raise them up so
the tires don't touch the floor (keeps flat spots from developing.),
battery removed, fan belts loosened (might want to consider getting spares
to keep handy) air intakes "sealed" off with tin foil (Keep little bugs
out) and a sheet over it to keep worst of the bird poop etc, off the car.
Anything you remove needs to be labeled with large letters "For the Car".
And a list in the car of what got done, removed, and what to do to get
it running again.

There's stabilizers for gasoline (and Diesel too), use 'em, but that
also depends on how long you figure the vehicles will be stored. Some
folks advise changing the oil before you start all this too. Same thing
about filling the gas tank - new gas, w/a full tank, less room for ambient
air to get in and have the humidity condense out at night. Of course, that
does pose a fire hazards - your option.
Like wise, flush the radiator, and replace with a good quality
anti-freeze. (Just chock full of anti rust & corrosion goodies.)

UV light is bad for plastics, and rubber. One more reason to park
inside, or under cover. Or at least put plywood over the tires on the
south side.



TMT

--
pyotr filipivich
"With Age comes Wisdom. Although more often, Age travels alone."