Date:         Tue, 15 Nov 2005 08:29:09 -0600
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Storing Van outside over winter???
Comments: To: Doug Alcock <doug.alcock@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <1ed6d210511150524o71bcbae2xd2ed5029e55f5011@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Dough, the only thing I would add to what Chris Gronski listed out for
you is to crank the engine and run it for 20 minutes once a week. This
will keep the battery charged, and oil on all the internal parts of the
engine, which tends to run off the metal during long periods of  sitting
idle. This exposes parts to rusting and corrosion. Also it is most
especially not good to have rings lose their lubrication and then have a
start up without oil on the rings, rubbing metal to metal in the
cylinder barrels. While you are at it, cycle the heaters and especially
the air conditioner. Air conditioners are notorious for leaking out
their refrigerant when the seals are not kept lubricated. The esters in
the oils in the AC system keep the seals plumped up. They tend to shrink
when not kept lubed.  In fact, on a year round basis, the AC system
should be run every week for a few minutes, whether you need the cooler
air or not, all for the reason just given.

Good luck,

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Doug Alcock wrote:

>Hi gang,
> I'm thinking of storing BlueBelle (84 Westy) until it's time to go to
>Florida nest March. She'll have to stay outside in my driveway. What should
>I do to ensure that she'll be rady to go in the spring??
> Thanks,
>Doug
>
>
>
>