Putting the Car up for the Winter - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

morrib · #1 10-26-2002, 05:19 PM

I am considering putting my 87 300D in the garage for the winter. What should I do to ensure it will start next spring? Is there anything I should do to the fuel present in the tank now? I have heard of algea growing in tanks of deisel fuel. Would starting it every week do the trick? Should I do anything with the battery? Any input would help, thanks.

84300DT · #2 10-26-2002, 05:39 PM

bob,
starting it every week would be ideal imo. keeps everything lubed if you run it up to operating temp
would change oil before you put it away. fill your fuel tank
if you're going to do this so you don't have to add any. it will also keep the battery charged.
if you don't intend to start it i would be taking the battery out of the car, and maybe some other steps too which other members may chime in with. again, imo it's much better to start it once a week.

sometimes tires can get flat spots on them when sitting in once place for a long time so that's the downside if you don't put the car on blocks and take the wheels off.

i think algae will grow if it wants to whether or not the car is stored. if you don't have any now probably storage won't create it.

btw, i also thought about putting my car in winter layup.. problem is i don't have a garage so instead i left the car in florida for a couple of winters - it deserved it

Bob

#3 10-26-2002, 08:33 PM

Have you considered driving it once a week when you start it, and get it up to operating temp. If you are not able to do this, one other tip is to add some additives to a full tank of fuel, this will help ensure that no water gets into the fuel, which might cause problems later down the road when taking it out of storage.

morrib · #4 10-26-2002, 08:57 PM

What kind of additives, brands, etc.? What do they do?

#5 10-27-2002, 01:31 AM

You may want to consult with a diesel marine shop or boat supply store. These things are always being layed up, they make additives and supplies that will help you in your efforts. You may also want to look on the web. Years ago, I remember a whole mailer pertaining to vehicle storage. They made a cacoon of sorts and everything. Also consider silica packs and baking soda in the interior, keep it moisture free. You may want jack stands, or chocks, but def change all fluids with fresh. Good luck. Don't let anyone scare you about laying the car up. It's not ideal, but done all the time with collector's cars.

dabenz · #6 10-27-2002, 03:01 AM

No problem to leave it shut down for the winter.
1. Biocide your fuel, fill it up, run it for an hour, top it off.
2. Get the car in the air so the air can circulate under the car. I use wood under the tires, and a sheet of plastic on the floor under the car. Remember the tires will flat spot by spring.
3. Consider putting a loose ball of steel wool in the exhaust and air intakes, after the engine has cooled down for a day. Keeps the critters out. Put a reminder on the steering wheel of all the locations.
4. Pull the battery, consider a squirt or two of engine oil thru the glow plug holes.
5. Get a 10-pack of mice/rat poison in the little pouches. Two in the trunk, one each on each floor mat, and one each on the inside wheel wells. Mouse eats the poison, needs a drink, leaves the car, drinks and dies. No dead mice in car.
6. Remember to lube everything in the spring.

psfred · #7 10-27-2002, 01:46 PM

All of the above advice is excellent, especially the mouse poison -- I had a mouse die in the AC evaporator on the 22D -- stinky.

If you are not going to drive it at all, charge the battery once in a while. I'd also put it up on blocks to keep the weight off the tires, they get terrible flat spots if you don't.

Peter

william rogers · #8 10-27-2002, 05:58 PM

should be started at least once a month so you can run Ac or it will likey not work come summer, I think that diesels sit better than gasoline engines .you can get algea killer at marine supply store algea is akin to walking catfish ..........
William Rogers.........