4 Months of Storage - List of Possible Problems?

[Chuck1986]

Alright so my beloved Eclipse will be coming out of four months of storage in just 2 more weeks! This was stored in my garage in Massachusetts. I've assembled a check list of things that may need to be checked over or 'fixed'.

__ Decreased tire pressure/flat spots on tires
__ Fuel degradation (fuel was topped off)
__ Battery sulfation
__ Excessive moisture in crankcase

I know I left a few things out, so please add anything that I should be thinking about, thanks!

 

[par]

How many months you think it was on the dealers lot before you bought it?

4-months is not a long time for me.

 

[peterr]

A year ago when I pulled my winter car out from 5 months storage the clutch hydraulics immediately blew. Clutch line and slave cylinder. Old beater that has been through many canadian winters

 

[onion]

I wouldn't worry much over something sitting for 4 months. Check all fluids and tire pressure. Otherwise, if it cranks up... it'll be good to go.

 

[CBDFrontier06]

Before you store it again:

Add some Sta-Bil to the gas and top it off

Inflate the tires to 45psi to prevent flat spots

If you have access to electricity, hook up a trickle charger

Change the oil

But 4 months really isn't very long. I bought a 91 S10 that had been in a garage for 3 years and it only had flat spotted tires. You're good to go.

 

[Kestas]

I agree with others. 4 months is nothing to worry about. The only issue is the battery. I would trickle charge it for two days before starting the car.

 

[NYEngineer]

I agree with them. Then drive it like ya stole it.

 

[Titan]

Check for rodent nests in the engine bay.

 

[Bamaro]

Put some mothballs inside to discourage mice from setting up home and I would put a charger on after 2 months and again before starting.

 

[Chuck1986]

Thanks for the advice guys.

My main concern is battery acid sulfation...I know the battery will be severely discharged and I certainly will charge it. Ya think it is still resusitate-able after four months?

For what it's worth, the car is kept in a cold Massachusetts garage, and I do know sulfation favors warm temperatures so maybe the cool climate helps.

 

[benjamming]

Originally Posted By: Kestas
I would trickle charge it for two days before starting the car.


I will repeat what brianl703 said in another thread. You want a regulated trickle charger not an unregulated one which increases as the demand drops.

 

[ted s]

i store 6 cars every winter. stabil in tank, change oil, remove battery, but on car cover

 

[Bluestream]

If you filled the tank, the fuel will be fine. Contrary to popular belief gas can be stored for up to one year if done properly.

From the Chevron web site: "Chevron gasoline can be stored for a year without deterioration when the storage conditions are good -- a tightly closed container, moderate temperatures, and out of direct sunlight."