Is it necessary to start a Z32 during winter storage?

[Mike Macfarlane]

Great question, and even better feedback! All the advise (opinions) are very timely and helpful as i store mine for the season. Had not considered so many details. I think i will be starting a number of new posts looking for some more advise if you all don't mind.

I too plan to enjoy some "Z" time on those days that allow. I was also looking to potentially do a performance upgrade (or 2) over the winter- if any one can recommend a trusted shop in Mississauga/ Brampton area it would be appreciated. (oops, i think thats a new "Post" -I am new at this)- I will leave it at that for now!

Thanks again all for the info!

[rockdog]

Hi Mike, I can recommend two shops in the GTA that specialize in Z cars - Whitehead Performance and AMS (Absolute Motor Sports). Both are OZC sponsors so they'll appreciate your business. It seams that Whitehead is the preferred choice for Older Z cars and AMS for newer (Z32, Z33).

[rockdog]

Another question - for a single car uninsulated garage, is it worthwhile placing a small electric heater near the front of the Z car so warm air circulates under the engine area during winter storage? I guess the idea is to prevent the fluids and lines from getting too cold during winter. My fluids and antifreeze are topped up so I don't know if this is necessary or how much extra it would add to my hydro bill.

If this is the way to go, can anyone recommend a particular type or brand of electric heater that would be energy efficient?

Note, my garage doesn't get opened daily, only when I feel like visiting the Z.

[Six_Shooter]

Nix the heater idea.

[KaipoDa510]

What about putting stabilizer in the gas tank?

[rockdog]

Fuel stabilizer is a good idea. I added that when I filled her up with premium just before storage. The 2 km drive home from the gas station was enough to circulate the stabilizer in the system.

[510er]

Fuel stabilizer is a good idea. I added that when I filled her up with premium just before storage. The 2 km drive home from the gas station was enough to circulate the stabilizer in the system.

Gasoline has a "shelf life" of about 3 months unless you are talking about an open system where a lot of evaporation occurs. Pre 1970's tanks that were vented to the atmosphere. As the volatiles evaporate the gas will increase in octane to the point where it just won't ignite properly. The car will run like a bag of crap. Carburettors can get gummed up when the gas evaporates from the float bowls. A pain when dealing with webbers.

I start the 510 occasionally and back it out of the garage and let it warm up.
Starting with a full tank of gas then replacing what gets burned over the winter. It's been stored now for 2 years without any problems. Never used stabilizer except in the lawn mower.

[larry baswick]

I store my car in an unheated, daily used double garage. The opening and closing of the garage door allows air circulation which prevents moisture buildup. I change the oil before storing (Mobile 1) and have a cover for it. I start it regularly when it's not too cold and allow it to come to operating temp. I'll take it out on a nice day for a slow (so as to not raise any salt dust) tool around the neighbourhood. I keep the battery charged and move the car a few inches as well to prevent flattening of the tires. I feel it is important to keep the upper end oiled and to prevent deposit rings forming at the top of the pistons; wherever they have stopped. For this same reason, I turn the engine in my sailboat manually as often as I visit her during winter layup. I don't think I have created any problems with these practices. Differences of opinion are welcome. Thanks. Larry

[LMBmikeZ]

Hey guys I think you are actually supposed to add the fuel stabilizer in before you start the car in the spring if you are leaving it sit. I was told get the gas to under a 1/4 tank but not empty, so I did. Then when you go back in the spring add more premium and a little stabilizer and no problems because not only do you have new tank of gas to offset but also using little bit of stabilizer for the old gas.

Also I disconnected the battery to stop pest from chewing on the wires from the heat of the completed circuit with the battery fully connected. So just disconnect the negative terminal.

I have stored my car at my dads buddies storage out in the country, he's been storing cars for years and has eliminated problems he's had in the past and passed on the information to all of us using his space. He has got 6 cars plus his 2 in the storage for years he has been disconnecting the batteries to prevent any electrical problems.

[rockdog]

^hey FXK, I think the more popular strategy that guys employ is to fill the gas tank prior to storage and add stabilizer then. The idea is that the gas won't go bad over the winter with the stabilizer and a full tank will protect your tank from condensation and prevent rust from forming.

I think most guys take their battery out completely if you're not planning on periodically starting your car. That way, you can put the battery on a maintainer and keep it in a warmer place. If you car starts with that battery sitting in it all winter I'll be impressed.

For pest control, put bounce sheets inside the car and moth balls around it... plus rat poison as an added measure.