I want to prep a fuel injected Chevy 5.0 for 3 years storage. somewhere I thought I read (in a factory manual) about feeding oil into the fuel system to protect the injectors...
how to prep the fuel system for 3 years storage?
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JHZR2
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I would use TCW-3 at a good dose in the gas, and then fog the cyinders.
Not sure of any official suggestions, but if it were me I would just give a big 'ol dose of sta-bil in the fuel tank. and then run it a bit to make sure it has really mixed in well.
Siphon out as much of the old degraded gas a you can get out, put in new gas. A bottle of Techron will also help out. Change out the fuel filter after running the vehicle. Another old school trick but it probably does not help a lot it to remove the spark plugs and squirt a little motor oil to help lube the pistons. Keep a eye out for leaks in your fuel lines and other rubber parts. Your fuel pump may give out in the near future so watch for some fuel pump failure symptoms. I have started many cars sitting for long periods of time and did not worry about protecting FI. Maybe I am wrong.
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Probably drain the fuel system myself, that way the gasoline can't green up on you, which after 3 years will be generally hard to avoid having happen. TC-W3 in the gas wouldn't hurt, as would putting a small amount of motor oil, transmission fluid, something oily in the spark plug holes after its parked.
I'd be careful to block any holes where critters can find a home. Mice enjoy picking apart air filters and firewall material to make neat homes in stored vehicles; just a thought. As well as removing the battery. But the fuel system itself I wouldn't fret too much. Just make sure it gets new gas when you start it and you should be okay.
I'd be careful to block any holes where critters can find a home. Mice enjoy picking apart air filters and firewall material to make neat homes in stored vehicles; just a thought. As well as removing the battery. But the fuel system itself I wouldn't fret too much. Just make sure it gets new gas when you start it and you should be okay.
If you could run it out of fuel to remove the moisture attracting ethanol. Then make sure you got non ethanol if possible( perhaps at a marina?). I'd leave the tank full (of 93 octane) to keep out air and moisture. The tcw is a good idea along with a dose of stabil. When you take it out of storage add a can of chemtool b-12.
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my regimen for long term storage is to add a can BG44k to 1/4 tank of gas; run motor to get it into the injectors;then add fuel stabilizer at 2X dosage ;fill tank...then..spray fogging oil through the throttle body while engine is running till exhaust gets smokey or engine stalls...you're done.
Leave it with fresh oil, but maybe you know that since you only asked about fuel; not trying to hijack.
Originally Posted By: dave1251
I have started many cars sitting for long periods of time and did not worry about protecting FI. Maybe I am wrong.
I have as well and seen two occasions the injectors were hung due to fuel turning to gum... Neither of these had any preservative in the fuel...
I have started many cars sitting for long periods of time and did not worry about protecting FI. Maybe I am wrong.
I have as well and seen two occasions the injectors were hung due to fuel turning to gum... Neither of these had any preservative in the fuel...
3 years is stretching it!
We can do 6 months to a year standing on our heads, but 3 years is a lot!
A good dose of Stabil is mandatory. I'd fill the tank and also use a heavier than normal dose of TCW3 2 stroke oil. run it through to get in the lines and injectors.
I believe wet is better than dry.
Plug the exhaust - critters get in there and make nests and leave nuts. Same for the intake.
Inflate the tires 5 lbs over stock.
We can do 6 months to a year standing on our heads, but 3 years is a lot!
A good dose of Stabil is mandatory. I'd fill the tank and also use a heavier than normal dose of TCW3 2 stroke oil. run it through to get in the lines and injectors.
I believe wet is better than dry.
Plug the exhaust - critters get in there and make nests and leave nuts. Same for the intake.
Inflate the tires 5 lbs over stock.
perhaps the 2 year regiment is better.... has anyone heard of a fuel conditioner called "PRI-G"? it claims storage beyond a year. I know.... it sounds too good to be true
I'd fog it than drain out as much gas as you can. You just can't store modern gas that long.
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I have ran Stabil at a 2X dose and stored for 2 year and 4 months. ZERO problems. I filled the tank until the gas came up in the filler neck to have no vapor space above the gas in the tank. Elimainating the air space will prevent condensation, and keep the gas effectivly "sealed".
Personally, based on my experiences, I would go 3 years with 2.5 X dose of Stabil. If you can't fog, consider a cranking every 3-4 months. Many here will disagree, but I crank my stored cars once every 3-4 months, and let run until hot. This assures new gas (and Stabil) flows into the injectors. Drain old oil at end of storage.
Personally, based on my experiences, I would go 3 years with 2.5 X dose of Stabil. If you can't fog, consider a cranking every 3-4 months. Many here will disagree, but I crank my stored cars once every 3-4 months, and let run until hot. This assures new gas (and Stabil) flows into the injectors. Drain old oil at end of storage.
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
I'd fog it than drain out as much gas as you can. You just can't store modern gas that long.
I have a '88 T-Bird that blew the head gasket between cylinders 3&4 in Nov '09(no coolant loss)... Still has same fuel with no additives, starts and runs, moved under it's own power less than a month ago...
Yeah I've no doubt probably pushed it to the limit, been meaning drain the gas and add fresh since I last moved it...
I'd fog it than drain out as much gas as you can. You just can't store modern gas that long.
I have a '88 T-Bird that blew the head gasket between cylinders 3&4 in Nov '09(no coolant loss)... Still has same fuel with no additives, starts and runs, moved under it's own power less than a month ago...
Yeah I've no doubt probably pushed it to the limit, been meaning drain the gas and add fresh since I last moved it...
Sell it. How much will it depreciate in 3 years? No stabilizer works 3 years.
Tires and brakes won't be happy sitting for that long.
If I had to store one that long I would fill the tank with fresh fuel treated with the blue stabil @ 2-3 times the regular dose. Add a can of seafoam to the gas also. Run it to get it circulated well. Top off the tank to the brim. Fog the intake and cylinders with seafoam. Block it up to take the weight off the tires. Change the oil. Plug the exhaust. I sure hope this will be stored in a garage. I have used this fuel treatment on lawn equipment that was stored for a few years and had great results. Oh and yank the battery too.
Everything there is correct except putting the thing up on blocks.
Originally Posted By: gfh77665
Everything there is correct except putting the thing up on blocks.
Modern tires do not usually flat spot like in the old daze.
People who store cars know that you do NOT hang the suspension for any period of time because it can severely distort bushings and such.
Everything there is correct except putting the thing up on blocks.
Modern tires do not usually flat spot like in the old daze.
People who store cars know that you do NOT hang the suspension for any period of time because it can severely distort bushings and such.
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