Gilles, Every year, I have to winterized my sail boat. I top the tanks with fuel to prevent condensation, and I also put an additive in the fuel called Stabil. You can get this at a marine store. It keeps the fuel from breaking down and getting gummy. I also lube all fittings. On the boat it is important for air to circulate the cabin to prevent mildew. Leave a window cracked open, but watch for creatures crawling in for a winter stay. Mice love VW engines and can make nest in the worst places. Also they have marine products that you leave on the boat that will help prevent mildew. Keep the fridge, water tank etc. cracked opened to prevent that stale smell you often get. I open all my cabinets as well. Drain all water from the fresh water system to prevent freezing. Once my diesel engine is winterized on the boat I can't start it until spring. The oil that sits in the engine all winter will have to be changed again before running it. Oil that sits for awhile (Winter) starts to breakdown and contaminate. I guess if you start your Westy once in the while, that won't be a problem? Other tips are covered by other owners so I won't repeat them. Good luck and don't forget to say "hi" to your Westy once in awhile during those cold lonely winter nights. Dan 87 Syncro 85 Westy 71 Bug Conv 35' Cheoy Lee sailboat |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.