If I plan on storing my 69 roadster for the winter, what should be done to the engine or car to make sure it is OK when spring arrives. I know to put a battery tickler, but what about the engine?

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Wed, 10/04/2006 - 01:16

Michael; On a neg ground car -except under very specific conditions- it is essential that the ground terminal is disconnected first and then reconnected last. This is one of the basic safety rules. To do otherwise is dangerous! Soluble oil has no carbon based oil in it, it is SOLUBLE, it totally mixes with water, before antifreeze was used this is what went in all vehicle cooling systems and I still use it today, no flushing out is required, it is good coolant! On the other hand anti freeze separates if it is stagnant, this results in the chemicals sinking, the cause of many a blocked radiator on stored cars! Your point about alternators having "current leakage" is news to me. Any car -even a modern one with a relatively high discharge rate- should lose very little in a month. In fact it was long ago discovered that a slight draw -as from a clock or security system- was actually beneficial, particularly in cold climates. The biggest concern in disconnection is the clock, if they are stopped for a long period of time they are often reluctant to restart. Regards Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Submitted by htech@cwnet.com on Tue, 10/03/2006 - 18:50

I also recommend disconnecting the negative terminal. If in the process of connecting or disconnecting the negative cable your wrench happens to touch a grounded point, nothing happens. However, if this is the positive terminal, many sparks, much heat or flames result. For positive ground vehicles, reverse the procedure. Tom Hughes

Submitted by mfrank@westnet.com on Tue, 10/03/2006 - 18:00

You can disconnect either side of the battery. This is the most important thing to do, as there is always some current leakage through the alternator.The battery should be left on a trickle charger, or recharged periodically.

Absolutely no need to change the anti-freeze, the corrosion inhibitors in your antifreeze will protect the engine far better than any oil you could add. Furthermore, using oil will require you to perform a thorough flush before refilling. Purified water will corrode agressively without the addition of a suitable inhibitor.It's a good idea to check the PH of your coolant and flush/refill the system if it's below 7. Also check that the concetration is 50/50.

Before replacing the plugs, it's a good idea to dip them in solvent. There will be raw gas on at least one plug, and it will leave conductive deposits when it evaporates. Better yet, plan on replacing your plugs before the next driving season.

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Mon, 10/02/2006 - 18:55

This is our procedure; Make sure the fuel tank is full to the top. Disconnect the ign wire at the coil, Drain and replace the engine oil. Drain and keep the coolant, then refill the system with distilled/drinking water mixed with soluble oil -or any proprietry cooling system lubricant. Remove the spark plugs -after blowing/sucking any debris out of the V- and inject/drip a tablespoon of thin oil into each cylinder, turn the engine over two or three times -you can creep it over on the starter, or, turn the engine by hand- now replace the plugs, hand tight. If you are to leave it on the wheels increase the tyre pressures to around 40lb,and move it a little when charging the battery, but better to raise it on the frame. The battery can now be disconnected, -ground side-only, reconnect it when you are topping up, every four to six weeks or so. Keep this note and write down any other points you may want to remember.
Jaguar affectionado and etc.