long term storage

[robert_ellison]

I plan to put my healey into long term storage. Is it advisable to drain the cooling system?

What other procedures are advisable?

 

[judow]

A definition of long term is probably needed. But, if it were me I would definitely drain the gas tank as the new fuels will separate over time and literally turn to a smudge that will destroy your engine. Friend has an E-type Jag and didn't use it for about a year and when he did, he had major engine problems. Cost was a head turner to rectify the problems.

 

[Randy Forbes]

I have wondered about that; I think it's a good idea to drain it, but perhaps a metallurgist can chime in...

Completely filling the fuel tank leaves less air space to form condensation, but depending on the timeframe, draining that too may be a better idea. Anything over a year, and most of the hydrocarbons will have dissipated, and at some point, evaporation will result in varnish deposits.

Even when just storing my Healey over the winter, I would disable the fuel pump while continuing to let the engine run until it was out of fuel, avoiding varnish build up in the three (3) Weber 45DCOE carbs__they're a pita to really clean out the passageways.

Depending on the model of carbs you have, you may be faced with rebuilding them to replace the rubber diaphragms anyway (HD6/HD8 SU carbs, the HS Series are less susceptible).

Pump the tires up to about 50 psi, unless you're putting the car on blocks. If the car is blocked up, put them under the axles (fr & rr) so the suspension isn't left at full droop for the duration.

Mouse bait around any points where they can climb up to reach the car. I would use eight (8) bait stations, one (1) on each side (inner/outer) of the four (4) tires.

A decent car cover, one that can breath, will protect the painted surfaces and top from general dirt & debris. I would consider a heavy coat of wax (or even grease covered with wax paper...) for all the chrome. Not sure about the validity of leaving the wax "haze" on the car, though I've known of people doing it.