Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2000 22:14:41 -0400
Reply-To: Bulley <gmbulley@bulley-hewlett.com>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bulley <gmbulley@bulley-hewlett.com>
Subject: Van Storage, mothball, mothballing, long-term storage
Tim-
You might do a search on "mothball, small engine" and see what you come up
with from military sites.
In a nutshell, some of the basics of long-term vehicle storage:
1. Completely fill the fuel tank, adding STA-BIL, (or following step #3,
completely drain it).
2. If draining fuel tank, blow compressed air through the fuel lines to
drain these.
3. Run the motor at a HIGH rev without an air filter, and spray a fogging
lubricant into the intake until the motor chokes off. This will lubricate
all of the intake components, coating them with a sticky gel. Replace the
air filter, and tape across the intake securely with duct tape.
4. Drain the motor oil and replace with fresh.
5. Slacken ALL of the valve adjusting screws or remove the rocker arms to
close the valves.
6. Tape securely across the ventilation intake (behind the grill) with duct
tape, and do the same with the exit vents (behind the rear side windows on
late models).
7. Disconnect the battery, and remove.
8. Tape securely across exhaust exit with duct tape.
9. Put in place 3 or 4 "stay-dri" containers (a desiccant) inside the van.
10. Jack up vehicle and place on blocks supporting suspension as if it were
sitting on the ground, but keeping the tires off the ground.
11. RELEASE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, (or else the pads will become one with the
drums).
12. Coat tires and all rubber components with a generous coat of glycerin.
13. If at all possible, protect vehicle from temperature extremes, in
particular, cover in the winter to protect from sunlight, which can warm
the interior significantly by day, only to cool off later at night. This
cycle is an invitation to fungus, mold, and varmints.
14. Do NOT disturb vehicle (open doors, etc.) until ready for resurrection.
15. Upon resurrection, undo all of the above as is obvious. BUT FURTHER:
16. Inspect brake rotors and drums for extreme corrosion...turn on a lathe,
if necessary.
17. Change oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.
18. Adjust valves.
19. Change fuel, oil, and air filters.
20. Check distributor cap for corrosion and spider eggs.
21. Recharge battery and install.
22. Remove spark plugs, ground the HT lead to the distributor, and run
engine over for a four or five 30-second sprints (with starter) with a few
minutes between to cool the starter to re-lubricate all parts, and loosen
any corrosion while not under load. Replace fresh plugs.
23. Say three Hail Mary's, and a Glory Be.
24. Restart.
25. Install new "Scent Tree" air freshener.
26. Crank tunes.
Cheers,
G. Matthew Bulley, Principal Consultant
Bulley-Hewlett Corporate Communications
Mount Olive, NC USA
877.658.1278 Tollfree
www.bulley-hewlett.com
My Agenda: Vanquish Suburban Sprawl.
My Methods: Revitalize mature urban towns. Champion mass transit and fast
Internet service. Demand replacement of archaic, "separationist" zoning
laws with neo-traditional mixed-use zoning.
The Result: Exceptional living/working alternatives; restrained sprawl; our
children inherit walkable, beautiful, interlinked towns. Find out more at
http://www.cnu.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Belanger [SMTP:VW87Wolfsburg@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2000 9:22 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Van Storage?
A friend of mine is going away for about a year maybe more, moving out of
the
country. He is going to leave his van with family in there garage.
Are there any special needs or things that need to be done every so often,
such as running it?? Do any preparations need to be made??
Thanks
Tim
87 Wolfsburg
Helping a freind store the only thing of his he wants to keep safe while he
is away!
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