Storage

[red107]

Well, in a few weeks I will have to store my toys for the next 3 years. The wife and I are leaving Florida for Okinawa. So I was wondering about the fuel in the tank. I was thinking about filling it up and adding STABIL. My other cars in storage have plastic fuel tanks. But as we all know the fiat is metal. I was told that STABIL helps keep the fuel from breaking down and maintaining its octane level. I already changed the oil. I got moth balls and Cedar. Was told that this helps keep the critters out. I also got Wheel dollies and covers. Any other suggestions?

[baltobernie]

For a three-year hiatus, I'd drain the fuel system. If that's not practical, run the tank as close to empty, then add Stabil at 2x the recommended dosage. Run the engine some more to disperse the mixture. Change the coolant, disconnect the battery, and hope for the best.

[red107]

The battery goes with out saying. But I read that coolant has a lubricant that keeps the water jackets from rusting. My coolant system is free of air and was just changed. Also Just found out that Stabil is only good for 12 months. So I am researching other options. I also read that never store a vehicle with a empty gas tank because moisture will form. It recommend you keep the tank full. It also recommends putting synthetic oil in it as it doesn't break down as fast as regular oil. They also recommend to put rodent traps around the vehicle.

[2ndwind]

Red,
Is there someone nearby who you can trust or even has a spider? You could give them the keys to the car and storage. Have them drive the car once in a while. That is preferable to a 3 yr. lockdown.

[htchevyii]

I don't think the Stabil will last that long, I think you need to drain the tank and run it out of gas. Marine fogging oil would also be a good idea. Check out the Zerorust car bag: http://www.calcarcover.com/product.aspx?id=76&cid=179
or the car capsule: http://www.carcapsule.com/

[red107]

Red,
Is there someone nearby who you can trust or even has a spider? You could give them the keys to the car and storage. Have them drive the car once in a while. That is preferable to a 3 yr. lockdown.

I wish there was. But we will manage. We are a military and have been lucky to stay in one place for the past 8 years. Well that run has come to a end. I was going to part with a few of my toys but there are paid for so we decided to store all four vehicles. Found a indoor storage unit 50x12x20 that will fit all four cars. Plus the government will pay for it. They will pay up to 243.00 a months our unit only cost 210.00. I have stored my fiat before for three years but it was at my parents house. That was 15 years ago.

[wachuko]

Three years is a long time...but not that bad... if you fill the tank and (even if it only last 12 months) use the Stabil, worst case scenario when you get back you will need to drain all the fuel, replace filters, change oil, bleed brakes, fill with new fuel, etc. before starting the car again. I think it will fair well.

Best of luck in your new home. And stay in touch via here.

[james124]

3 years is a long time. Consider partially jacking up the car so that the majority of the weight is lifted off the shocks and the tires. This will allow your shocks (especially if expensive) to last longer and tires from flatting out. Have a good time in Japan. James

[spider2081]

Maybe Mark can help here. I would pull the plugs and spray an engine preservative in the cylinders not sure what is available for that today. Three years is enough time for a Fiat engine to rust. The piston rings rust to the cylinders and stick so you can't turn over the engine.
I also believe on keeping the fuel tank topped off into the filler neck. At least this way nothing is exposed to the air to rust. Then drain it when you are back. Throwing away 12 gallons of fuel is cheaper than a fuel tank or a fuel pump. I don't use Stable I have trouble starting things I used it with.

Circle the car with mouse traps. Their droppings make a terrible mess and cause lots of rust issues.

Good Luck
HAve a great Memorial Day Weekend
God Bless and thanks for serving our Country

[Gunsmith]

I have a great plan. I will look after your car and take it for a walk once a month. Then different members of this site can stay with us and take your Spider for a walk while they are vacationing in Florida that way everything stays in good working order and she won't get mad at you for leaving her all alone.

[tonyfromjersey]

Good luck with your move. I am 21 years of service, 9 active and 12 Air National Guard (and counting). Hard to believe it's been that long. Wish I could offer some assistance but I'm all the way in New Jersey.

Tony

[narfire]

Tony, can you pick him up and drop him off on occasion? We sometimes treat our cars like family,does the military allow furlough to visit family?

[kmac33]

I would strongly recommend running all of the fuel out of all 4 cars you are storing if it is E10 ethanol blend and put in fuel that is ethanol free - if you can find straight gas! Ethanol blends - even the low 10% blends - are only stable for storage for as little as 60-90 days - some articles even state the ethanol starts to seperate from the gas in as little as 10 days. The ethanol blends are very corrosive compared to straight gas and if left "stored" in a fuel system for extended periods can lead to major problems.

[red107]

Kmac33, I already do not use E10 in my fiat because of the water it attracts. Most people don't know that non ethanol gas will last for years but once you add alcohol it attract water. I have found a few stations here in Jacksonville that don't use it. My friend works for Gates petroleum they deliver all the gas here in Jacksonville area. According to him the ethanol is added at the stations. He said that all gas is mid grade gas that is either summer or winter blend and it is either lowered or raised at the station. He said the station add cleaners and preservatives as well. I use E10 in my other cars but will run it out and fill with non ethanol gas. I got everything Staged except the rodent traps. I'm going to buy them a week before we leave.

[amsiegel]

Red

Can the stabil be added every 12 months of does the gas have to changed every 12 months.

I would call you but lost the phone with your number.

Check your PM