[Mk2] [Turbo] Long-Term Storage of my Tubby.

[alan mc]

Hi, I've recently taken my Tubby off the road and stored it in my garage with the aim of resurrecting it in 2011 when I retire.

I've decided on doing the following in order to preserve it.........

1....Start the engine every week and allow to run for 10 minutes to burn off condensation and charge the battery.

2....Engage 1st and reverse gears and move backwards and forwards to prevent the clutch sticking.

3....Leave the car without the handbrake on to prevent the rear calipers sticking on and operating the brakes when I move the car backwards and forwards to also prevent the front calipers from sticking.

4....Rotate the wheels a quarter turn evey week to prevent flat spots-deformity of the tyres. I have read that you can support each corner of the car with stands and thus keep the wheels off the ground but some suggest that this could damage the suspension as it is just hanging there.


5....Top up the fuel every month or so as it gets used up by my starting the engine, this should help to keep the fuel fresh.

6....Car is covered with sheets.

I changed the oil and coolant recently so they should be ok.


I would appreciate any observations on my tactics and any tips as I would like to resurrect my MR2 in the same tip-top condition as it is in now.

[dawolf]

It's not really necessary to start the engine every week, maybe once or twice a month should be fine. Also topping up the fuel every month seems a bit OTT as just starting the engine will hardly use any. Remember that oil degrades over time so you may need to change that again in 12-18 months or so.

[Azz]

Why not get a realy bi fridge, and Cryo=freeze the car

[alan mc]

Why not get a realy bi fridge, and Cryo=freeze the car

I know a few bis (plural of bi) but none of them are a fridge....... then I know a few women who are quite frigidair......hope that helps

[alan mc]

It's not really necessary to start the engine every week, maybe once or twice a month should be fine. Also topping up the fuel every month seems a bit OTT as just starting the engine will hardly use any. Remember that oil degrades over time so you may need to change that again in 12-18 months or so.

Cheers, just being extra careful really, good tip about the oil...

[Tiny]

A bloke I know who is doing something fairly similar with a MG BGT had issues with the fuel. He found it was better to just add really small amounts of fuel rather than keep a tank that was slowly going off as it put more deposits/crap into his engine.

With respect to moving it back and forward in the drive e.t.c arent you just better taking it out once twice a month and just driving up and down the road early on a sunday morning a few times to keep everything moving?

If you do make sure you get it up to temperature every time to move the coolant through the rad and pipes and if possible Really clean out the garage first draft proof it and then put a heater and a trickle charger in there for over the winter. If your feeling really pro put a carpet in the garage to keep things warm and to

[JUIC'IN]

Hi, I've recently taken my Tubby off the road and stored it in my garage with the aim of resurrecting it in 2011 when I retire.

I've decided on doing the following in order to preserve it.........

1....Start the engine every week and allow to run for 10 minutes to burn off condensation and charge the battery.

2....Engage 1st and reverse gears and move backwards and forwards to prevent the clutch sticking.

3....Leave the car without the handbrake on to prevent the rear calipers sticking on and operating the brakes when I move the car backwards and forwards to also prevent the front calipers from sticking.

4....Rotate the wheels a quarter turn evey week to prevent flat spots-deformity of the tyres. I have read that you can support each corner of the car with stands and thus keep the wheels off the ground but some suggest that this could damage the suspension as it is just hanging there.


5....Top up the fuel every month or so as it gets used up by my starting the engine, this should help to keep the fuel fresh.

6....Car is covered with sheets.

I changed the oil and coolant recently so they should be ok.


I would appreciate any observations on my tactics and any tips as I would like to resurrect my MR2 in the same tip-top condition as it is in now.

If your looking at long term storage then:

Do an oil change just before you store the car. Add a fuel stabliser to the fuel tank (as unleaded goes off quite quickly). Add a trickle charger to the battery so it doesnt go flat. Reduce tyre pressure or ideally store on jack stands.

I wouldnt recommend just starting and letting it idle as this will do more damage in terms of build up of carbon deposits etc. If your not going to drive it then dont bother starting it.

When you come to start it again, crank with fuel pump relay removed to build up some oil pressure. Add some fresh petrol into the mix.

You will safely be able to probably leave your car for 6 month to a year periods, with no problems. When you eventually start it up again check for leaks first off all.

[JUIC'IN]

One more question, you didnt mention wether the car going to be garaged, or exposed to elements??

[C50]

One more question, you didnt mention wether the car going to be garaged, or exposed to elements??

Hi, I've recently taken my Tubby off the road and stored it in my garage with the aim of resurrecting it in 2011 when I retire

[C50]

i was thinking of doing this too.. only i dont have a garage I was looking into car covers but they're quite dear

[JUIC'IN]

One more question, you didnt mention wether the car going to be garaged, or exposed to elements??

Hi, I've recently taken my Tubby off the road and stored it in my garage with the aim of resurrecting it in 2011 when I retire

Obviously im lazy and dont read things properly.

was thinking of doing this too.. only i dont have a garage I was looking into car covers but they're quite dear

I think car covers do more harm than good, trapping moisture etc.

[Jaspa]

A bloke I know who is doing something fairly similar with a MG BGT had issues with the fuel. He found it was better to just add really small amounts of fuel rather than keep a tank that was slowly going off as it put more deposits/crap into his engine.

I read somewhere that you should keep the tank full so as to have less air in the tank to stop oxidisation/corrosion of the tank?

Also, Put the tyre pressure to as high as possible to prevent flat spots

[murf]

Best way to store it is under a car port, that lets air circulate under the car and stop moisture from corroding it.
By 2011 your tyres will be cracking and probably require replacement anyway so dont worry about flat spots. Keep the battery connected and keep it trickle charged, this also helps prevent corrosion.
As before, take it for a quiet run up the road and back once a month, get it up to temp and then put it back to bed.
Wish i had a garage