A couple questions about storage please. I'm in Michigan so our fun cars have to hibernate from approx November to April. Can I store my 308GTS QV like I do my British cars (fuel stabilizer, disconnect battery, and a few moth balls!)? I've heard that people start their Ferraris every week or two when they are in storage, and move them a few inches to flex the tire cords? What's the longest comfortable period to let a 308 sit without running it: 1. In Winter climate? 2. In Summer climate?
i also find that: - in winter if i sit in the car with a coffee the car runs better - in the summer if i sit in the car with a beer it runs better - i also take 6x6 wood blocks, cut them to the height required for each vehicle, and place them under the suspension points at front and back so that the tires are just touching the ground....this takes the stress of the tires but does not let the springs/shocks overextend
I don't start my cars in the winter. After a a few days the oil has depleted off the parts and you are just dry starting the engine repeatedly with everything colder (tighter) than normal. Otherwise full tanks with non oxy fuel a shot of stabil, jack stands and dryer sheets (smell much better than moth balls)
yes, no problem at all been doing that with my old Porsche and Ferrari for 13 years now when winter is over, both cars start in March/April on first request
Agree with all points. I also replace all fluids that are due and always the oil before putting the car away so it does not sit with contaminants. I also overinflated the tires to 50lb but I think the wood blocks is a good idea (maybe better) too.
Either work but I was taught with the jack stands. The whole weight of the is more stress than the weight of the suspension. At least that is what I was taught
Amazon.com: Bounce Outdoor Fresh Fabric Softener Sheets 240 Count: Health & Personal Care Some say that mice hate the smell and will stay out of your car if you leave some dryer sheets in there during storage.
had to put baited mouse traps in the engine compartment for deer mice last winter - worked fine. a gnawed wiring harness is a thing of terror. i think running plenty of gas stabilizer through the fuel system before shutdown is crucial for the 3 months mine is put away in massachusetts. also be sure to disconnect the battery ground strap up front. amazingly the clock will run down the battery significantly in 3 months - ie near dead. jon s
If the rubber bushings were installed properly, they are neutral while the car is supporting its own weight. While the car is resting on stands the bushings are being stressed.
So its OK for the car to sit for a week or two in the summer and then repeatedly dry starting? If oil doesn't stick to the engine for more than a few days we are screwed.
Same situation for the most part. Letting a car sit is hardest on them at restart. In the winter months in our region extra stress comes from the cold. The oil thickens and clearances tighten in the engines. The Ferrari manual recommends not hitting the upper end of the rev range until the oil temp is over 140. These engines are happy hotter in the operating range. Residule oil will sit between the on the in the rings (why a good crosshatch hone is important), bearings, and seals to protect when you start it next but it is not alot. For an experiment, next time you change your oil leave oil funnel over the catch. It will be nice and wet when you initially walk away but check it in a day or two there will be only a very thin film left. Same as inside your engine. I wouldn't say your screwed leaving the engine for a few days I just don't see any benefit in starting it when you are not going to run it on the road. You can put a little oil down the spark plug holes if the storage has been exceptionally long or if the climate is very wet or salty (coastal areas) when removing them from storage.
Why do you need to jack up the car? If the tyres are permanently affected by being left to sit, they are end of life and need replacing. Good tyres which are within safe service life wont be affected be being left to sit.
I've been cars storing various cars at various times for many years, and would add: yes, the clock can run the battery down over time. I made a new housing for it and an extra power port (aka a cigarette lighter socket) and placed it below the radio & radar detector, so I could put a voltmeter where the clock was; I also added a toggle switch to cut off power to the clock if I wasn't going to start the 328 for awhile. Failing that disconnecting the battery can't hurt, either. Just remember what you did when you try to restart the car. If you do, you wouldn't be the first one. How about a note on the steering wheel, "connect battery"? Next, starting the car without really warming it up will only add water vapor to the exhaust system, assisting greatly in the rusting process. Not a good idea. If you're going to run it occasionally, warm everything well. For a few months only, I don't think fuel stabilizer is necessary. For years, though, yes. Make sure there's enough antifreeze in the coolant. Helps to prevent corrosion. A also agree that putting the car up on blocks or stands for a few months is truly unnecessary. Bring the tires to correct pressure before storing the car; if one or more leaks, have it repaired. The dryer sheets are a good thing to do. Mice & other critters love new homes like that, especially when it's cold. Worse, they build nests, sometimes from stuff from your car. Like harness loom cloth covers or upholstery... Cover the car with a good car cover; I have a very light nylon one that works fine without scratching the paint as you put it on. Wax the paint before storage. Can't hurt! Put some dryer sheets in the cockpit, too; just not on the leather. Cheers, Rich
rich: friends of mine who work on porches for a living have seen more than a few with plugged injectors from storage for no more than 6 months with 10% e gas - required major and expensive cleaning. they warned me to use stabil for the ferrari. it's mandatory for marine engine storage around here and lots easier than completely draining injector rails. consider the alternative - it doesn't hurt anything to put the stuff in. jon s
OK, point taken. The only running car I have at the moment in storage, during much of the year, anyway- so to speak- is my '59 Morgan, which doesn't have injectors, so no such problems. And hasn't,for the last 20 years or so. The 328 is NOT in storage, so if I should put it up for longer than a month or so I'll remember your advice. My thanks! The other FI cars I have- both Land Rover Discoverys- are both in use, not in storage, so no issue there, again. Cheers, Rich
Almost all of the bearing wear in an engine occurs at start up. More starts = more bearing wear. Also think about how full that oil filter really is - even with the standpipe - when you start the Ferrari.
