I just noticed that my title for my last thread was not correct. So here is my other question: I am in a quandary of when to next do the annual service. The previous owner has not done one this year, and the last one was done in April of 2016 (all fluids changed including a clutch bleed). The question is should I have the service done prior to mothballing it in Oct, or should I wait until I resurrect it the following spring? Seems to me it would be smarter to do it prior to mothballing...but then, would it need the service again in the Spring?
I put this question to the general discussion area, but thought it wise to put it here also. If this is redundant please someone let me know! I am in a quandary of when to next do the annual service. The previous owner has not done one this year, and the last one was done in April of 2016 (all fluids changed including a clutch bleed). The question is should I have the service done prior to mothballing it in Oct, or should I wait until I resurrect it the following spring? Seems to me it would be smarter to do it prior to mothballing...but then, would it need the service again in the Spring?
Annual service is basically oil. If you have a documented oil change from april 2016 i wld wait until the spring. Thats coming from someone who over services their cars religiously. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
People have different theories on when to do annual fluid changes. I've searched high and low for the "right answer". The closest I came to it, was on Briggs and Strattons website where they recommended doing it before winter for their motors. They believed the negeatives of letting old contaminated fluids sit in a motor over winter was worse than whatever effects winter may have on new fluids. So that's what I go by. In all likelihood, it probably doesn't make much difference either way.
I've been hearing oil and a brake flush every year. Seen F1 flush being mentioned before too but that seems excessive, I could be off on this. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
i also wldnt start up your car and let it idle in the winter. once you put it away let it sit until the first time you can drive it for 15 to 20 mins. I'm sure there will be people who strongly disagree but ive done this for 20 years and alot of my cars dont see more than 100 miles a year.
+1 If you have to start it up for whatever reason in the winter, make sure it's fully warm before tucking her back in bed. This enables any condensation to be burned off.
So, I did not do a search just now but I have in the past. As you note,this topic is debated however when I have found something "official" like you found on Briggs and Stratton (for example I think I recall seeing something on a GM website for Corvette, there is consensus to change in the fall for precisely the reason you state. Old fluids can have acid (oil) or water (oil, brakes...). As thee contaminates settle in one spot, they will cause corrosion. I am guessing nothing you will notice over 3-5 years but beyond that. When you transfer the fluid (whichever you are refreshing), it "keep" just as well in the car as the bottle and you avoid the issue of the contaminants sitting in one spot. There is no benefit to waiting until spring. So, I fully agree with your conclusion I just have seen more official information.
Did a quick scan. This popped up pretty quickly and appears more official than the many threads with opinions. Corvette Long-Term / Winter Storage - Page 3 of 4 - CorvetteActionCenter.com Good luck
Figured this would be a good thread to ask and I haven't searched, but when are you guys changing spark plugs? Just hit 30k in my 06. Is that part of annual service. The 08 can't be much different in terms of a timeline.
Your plugs are only young yet, thing to remember is how long is it since they were last removed so they dont become seized in situ. Taking them out and wire brushing the threads is a good idea every few years
You're probably right. Although plugs are relatively cheap. If I'm going to be in there pulling out the old ones every couple/few years, I'll spend the $150 and stick new ones in at the same time. So many of us spend so much time / $ trying to wring out more power from these engines, may as well just maximize the ponies we all ready have
I would be inclined to wait until spring and change everything at that time. Be sure to include power steering fluid as well. I would probably skip the AC service. Many Ferrari dealers want to recharge the AC and replace the receiver dryer. Not sure why...I'm not aware of any other car manufacturer that makes that recommendation. Maybe a leftover from the Ferraris that require an engine out, where the system has to be evacuated routinely as part of the service?
Many Thanks everybody for your inputs. I think what I'll do is, as the fluids haven't been change since a year and a half ago (Feb 2016), it best to change the fluids prior to mothballing her in Oct time frame. Which leads me to another question... Any recommendations for a mechanic who can check the car over and change the fluids in the Twin Cities area (Minneapolis-Saint Paul MN). Some outfit that is truly meticulous?? For major service I imagine I will send the car to Chicago. And, are there some good thought about Continental in Chicago? I'll also post that last paragraph as a new thread to get more action hopefully.
Uh oh - I see a major on the horizon then even at my mileage. What's involved as opposed to the two yearly?
I though I remember it just needing spark plugs. Mine for example had the fluids all done (brake and oil, trans done during the clutch) last November ish, but other than fluids, I cant see anything "major" other than the plugs. I'm tempted to do it myself as I have done everything on all my other cars, but I know future owners need to see a giant FERRARI stamp on the repair order for it to be safe to buy lol.
If you don't have a Ferrari dealer there, you might inquire at the Maserati dealer...I've passed by it many times in my travels to MN.
