Winter Storage - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JRYDER · #1 11-08-2005, 04:55 PM

I have been reading up on winter storage. On here looks like most of you dont live in the frozen tundra. Anyone care to let me know what your "special" way of storing your vintage is for the winter months? I have it parked in a garage for the winter. Would I be better off just filling the tank full and starting it once a week for a few minutes or seriously store it for the winter months (5 months average in MN)?

Thanks,
JR

cth350 · #2 11-08-2005, 07:05 PM

My aunt says that winter in MN starts about two weeks before summer does. She's an ex Army Diesel mechanic and an old farm hand. Her advice would be to put some fuel stabilizer in and let it run a bit so that it makes its way through the whole fuel system. Then park it and change the oil.

Don't bother to start it unless you're going to drive it.

You could go further, and put it on jack stands to lessen the load on the tires and perhaps replace that nasty green coolant with the right stuff (you do have green in there, right?) But my aunt would remind you that it never got that kind of treatment before, so why start now.

-CTH

PagodaLover · #3 11-08-2005, 08:20 PM

Not an issue for me this winter cause the car is disassembled in the shop, but, I am a believer in starting the car up and driving her around on those somewhat nicer days throughout the season. I just believe that letting it sit can lead to problems (but that's more experience with Italian and English cars, so...).

There may not be many good MN days. In any case, I wouldn't go starting the car up if I couldn't drive it some.

patmccusker · #4 11-10-2005, 07:59 PM

I wouldn't start it and drive it around in a state that uses road salt like here in New Hampster. Even on a nice day there is dry salt all over the place. Last year I stored my car with the gas tank dry because I was doing alot of work on it. (head gasket, Carb rebuilds, dist. rebuild) and I didn't start it till spring. I had it out last saturday for a long ride because it was a beautifull day but I believe the beautifull days are over now and doubt that I will have it out of the garage again before April. I plan to work on it this winter but more on the cosmetic aspect. when I put it back in the garage it happened to have a quater of a tank and i'm not really sure if I should fill it or not. I know I'm going to change the oil this week and will run it for a short time to circulate the new oil. I would also be interested in hearing advice.

Hatterasguy · #5 11-10-2005, 08:34 PM

I just put away my 300SDL last Sunday. I treated her like a boat:
I filled the tank to prevent condensation and added a little Biobor. For a gas car add store and start.
Change fuel filters
Warm the car up and change the oil
I then pulled the battery out, I'll check it and charge it from time to time.
Then I cleaned the car and put a junk set of wheels on it so my good ones don't get flat spots.
Throw a few sheets over the car and call it good.

The only thing I would change for a gas car is to fog it out as you shut down.

I wouldn't start the car unless you plan on driving it, just starting it and letting it idle would do more harm then good.