Storing the Z for long periods

perfectnobody · 04-08-2010, 10:18 PM

just finished paying off my Z after 4 months... hoorah!!!...

lol

anyway, i only drive once or twice a month, (still less than 2k on the odo)

looking to get a car cover (any tips or recommendations on these 2, or any others out there)
The Grey Max Car Cover Size 3 to fit NISSAN (Datsun) 350Z 2009

https://store.coverking.com/ (prices range from 160 to 370) seems pricey

also, been hearing that letting fuel sit for more than 30 days is bad, does anyone use a fuel stabilizer? what has been your experience. i try to use up all the fuel when driving and leave it close to empty when done

is this also true for oil (read somewhere you should change your oil at 4k miles or 3-4 months, whichever comes first. being that i have had the car for 4 months, should i change the oil now with only 1800mile on the odo.

what other tips or advice do you guys have for keeping my car stored for long periods of time

reason is i am away most of the time and visit home once or twice a month. trust me, would love to drive this beast every single day

been looking through the forums and have found some good stuff, but would like to hear from you guys as well.

thanks in advance

steveg78 · 04-09-2010, 12:28 AM

Are you storing it indoors or out? I bought the Noah from carcoversdirect for $218. It's only a month old so I can't give a durability check but I have no complaints. And yes, you're due to change the oil.

SBZ · 04-09-2010, 12:43 AM

As far as the gas goes I think you would be better of filling up before parking. That will be less air in the tank, less condensation. Mine gets about the same amount of miles.

perfectnobody · 04-09-2010, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveg78

Are you storing it indoors or out? I bought the Noah from carcoversdirect for $218. It's only a month old so I can't give a durability check but I have no complaints. And yes, you're due to change the oil.

yes, i am storing it outdoors...

wow, oil change after 1800miles, i guess that's what the Z needs then... thanks for the heads up!

perfectnobody · 04-09-2010, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBZ

As far as the gas goes I think you would be better of filling up before parking. That will be less air in the tank, less condensation. Mine gets about the same amount of miles.

interesting concept, i'll do that instead

SoCal 370Z · 04-09-2010, 01:15 PM

Fill it up (as others mentioned) and add STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer to your gas. I've used it for years, and it's excellent.

Liquid_G · 04-09-2010, 01:24 PM

I've always heard to put carpet squares under your tires but still have not ever heard a good explanation of why.

NyCSnEaK · 04-09-2010, 03:31 PM

Get a battery tender and do not drive the car unless your going to warm it up properly.

kenchan · 04-09-2010, 07:51 PM

you dont need fuel stabilizer unless you're going to store like 6months. just fill it to the top when you're done using it.

put your car on flat spotters if you want. keep tires inflated to about 40psi when in storage.

put a battery manager on your battery (not a trickle charger).

perfectnobody · 04-09-2010, 10:53 PM

great tips everyone, thanks for the responses...

much appreciated. will try out your suggestions

kenchan · 04-10-2010, 08:45 AM

My cars hibernate in the winter and I don't do anything special other than the items I noted above.

If you store more than a month flatstoppers are recommended unless you're going to turn the tires 1/3 at a time. I do that sometimes too. Just lift the car, turn by hand, set it back down. Takes no more than a few min if you have a hydraulic jack and just saved your $1200 tire set.

Good luck.

SmoothZ · 04-10-2010, 08:56 AM

I store my Z for at least 4-5 months at a time. I fill the gas tank and use SeaFoam or Stabil before filling up.

I also change the oil and make sure everything is lubed and not leaking.

I suggest you either get a battery tender or take out the battery completely and store it in a dry spot.

As for the tires, I either have the car jacked up with the wheels off or I use wheel dollies. I think people use carpet squares to prevent flat spotting. Definitely fill up the tires up to 40psi or so.

If you're worried about mice, use drier sheets in your engine bay or on your wheels.

fullmonty · 04-10-2010, 12:52 PM

My old Mustang I let sit for a year outside with less then a quater tank of fuel. Once I got the battery charged up that thing started up like a champ. I wouldn't recomend doing that though

drdre8424 · 05-31-2010, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmoothZ

I store my Z for at least 4-5 months at a time. I fill the gas tank and use SeaFoam or Stabil before filling up.

I also change the oil and make sure everything is lubed and not leaking.

I suggest you either get a battery tender or take out the battery completely and store it in a dry spot.

As for the tires, I either have the car jacked up with the wheels off or I use wheel dollies. I think people use carpet squares to prevent flat spotting. Definitely fill up the tires up to 40psi or so.

If you're worried about mice, use drier sheets in your engine bay or on your wheels.

i'm also gonna be storing my Z for about 6-8 mts due to a deployment, i'm looking into storage facilities now...do you guys have any other storage tips?

about the battery, can i just disconnect the terminals or do i have to compety remove it?

mrarroyo · 05-31-2010, 08:57 AM

Posted this before but it does not hurt to re-post!
1. Put a can of fuel stabilizer in the tank. Fill the tank, run engine for 10 to 15 minutes to make sure the fuel stabilizer makes it all the way. Top off the fuel.
2. Change the engine oil
3. Change the oil filter
4. Consider replacing the brake fluid.
5. Consider changing the coolant.
6. Consider changing the gear oil
7. Clean the engine compartment
8. Clean the underside of the car
9. Inflate all tires to the maximum recommended on the sidewalls.
10. Fully detail the car, including a top quality wax job and dressing of all plastic and rubber parts. Park car inside of a garage.
11. Jack the car 1 to 2 inches so the tires do not hold all the weight.
12. Remove each plug and pour in about 1 to 2 ounces of regular engine oil or marvel mystery oil. Using the starter (remove coil cable to distributor since you do not want the engine to start) rotate the engine a few revs to get the oil on all upper portions of the cylinder head.
13. Put steel wool on the exhaust tip. Put a piece of plastic also at the end held in place with a rubber band. This is intended to stop critters from nesting inside your exhaust.
14. Using a large plastic bag put it over the fan assembly and air filter inlet to prevent critters making it in that route.
15. Remove the battery. Clean area; if you find rust treat it with POR 15 or equivalent. Top of the battery cells and store battery in a cool dry place (above freezing).
16. Get three plastic containers. Fill with cedar shavings, and then put in trunk, cab, and engine compartment.
17. Get 2 damp rid. Put one in the trunk and another in the cab.
18. Open the glove door and the ashtray.
19. Do not engage the emergency brake. It most likely will freeze on you during the long months of not being used.
20. Close the doors, trunk, and lid. But do not fully compress the rubber. This is specially important with the doors and rear hatch. Note: Dress all rubber gaskets.
21. Get a sheet of plastic and lay below your car. This prevents moisture that comes up thru the slab from causing any rust in your car.
22. Get a breathable cover and cover your car.
23. Check the damp rid and cedar shavings at least every two weeks and replace/drain as needed

04-08-2010, 10:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
perfectnobody Base Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: jersey Posts: 36 Drives: Red 370z b w/st 2009 Rep Power: 16	Storing the Z for long periods just finished paying off my Z after 4 months... hoorah!!!... lol anyway, i only drive once or twice a month, (still less than 2k on the odo) looking to get a car cover (any tips or recommendations on these 2, or any others out there) The Grey Max Car Cover Size 3 to fit NISSAN (Datsun) 350Z 2009 https://store.coverking.com/ (prices range from 160 to 370) seems pricey also, been hearing that letting fuel sit for more than 30 days is bad, does anyone use a fuel stabilizer? what has been your experience. i try to use up all the fuel when driving and leave it close to empty when done is this also true for oil (read somewhere you should change your oil at 4k miles or 3-4 months, whichever comes first. being that i have had the car for 4 months, should i change the oil now with only 1800mile on the odo. what other tips or advice do you guys have for keeping my car stored for long periods of time reason is i am away most of the time and visit home once or twice a month. trust me, would love to drive this beast every single day been looking through the forums and have found some good stuff, but would like to hear from you guys as well. thanks in advance

04-09-2010, 01:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 33	Fill it up (as others mentioned) and add STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer to your gas. I've used it for years, and it's excellent. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) Why I NEVER say NO to the Panda Lou Fusz!!!

04-10-2010, 08:56 AM	#12 (permalink)
SmoothZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Arrakis Posts: 7,952 Drives: giant sandworm Rep Power: 36	I store my Z for at least 4-5 months at a time. I fill the gas tank and use SeaFoam or Stabil before filling up. I also change the oil and make sure everything is lubed and not leaking. I suggest you either get a battery tender or take out the battery completely and store it in a dry spot. As for the tires, I either have the car jacked up with the wheels off or I use wheel dollies. I think people use carpet squares to prevent flat spotting. Definitely fill up the tires up to 40psi or so. If you're worried about mice, use drier sheets in your engine bay or on your wheels. __________________ "Once you go Asian, you never go Caucasian." "I talk to myself, and when I do that, I know I'm talking to an intelligent person."

04-10-2010, 12:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
fullmonty A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Dirty Jersey Posts: 7,762 Drives: 370 Touring/Sport Rep Power: 34	My old Mustang I let sit for a year outside with less then a quater tank of fuel. Once I got the battery charged up that thing started up like a champ. I wouldn't recomend doing that though __________________

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04-09-2010, 12:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
steveg78 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MD Posts: 569 Drives: 09 370Z PG M6 +Sport Rep Power: 17	Are you storing it indoors or out? I bought the Noah from carcoversdirect for $218. It's only a month old so I can't give a durability check but I have no complaints. And yes, you're due to change the oil.

04-09-2010, 12:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
SBZ Base Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Carpinteria California Posts: 12 Drives: 2010 370z Roadster Rep Power: 16	As far as the gas goes I think you would be better of filling up before parking. That will be less air in the tank, less condensation. Mine gets about the same amount of miles.

04-09-2010, 01:24 PM	#7 (permalink)
Liquid_G A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago Burbs Posts: 1,439 Drives: 09 370z Supercharged Rep Power: 44	I've always heard to put carpet squares under your tires but still have not ever heard a good explanation of why.

04-09-2010, 03:31 PM	#8 (permalink)
NyCSnEaK Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 44 Drives: 007 Z Rep Power: 16	Get a battery tender and do not drive the car unless your going to warm it up properly.

04-09-2010, 07:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	you dont need fuel stabilizer unless you're going to store like 6months. just fill it to the top when you're done using it. put your car on flat spotters if you want. keep tires inflated to about 40psi when in storage. put a battery manager on your battery (not a trickle charger).

04-09-2010, 10:53 PM	#10 (permalink)
perfectnobody Base Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: jersey Posts: 36 Drives: Red 370z b w/st 2009 Rep Power: 16	great tips everyone, thanks for the responses... much appreciated. will try out your suggestions

04-10-2010, 08:45 AM	#11 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	My cars hibernate in the winter and I don't do anything special other than the items I noted above. If you store more than a month flatstoppers are recommended unless you're going to turn the tires 1/3 at a time. I do that sometimes too. Just lift the car, turn by hand, set it back down. Takes no more than a few min if you have a hydraulic jack and just saved your $1200 tire set. Good luck.

05-31-2010, 08:57 AM	#15 (permalink)
mrarroyo Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Heaven on Earth Posts: 211 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z M6 Rep Power: 16	Posted this before but it does not hurt to re-post! 1. Put a can of fuel stabilizer in the tank. Fill the tank, run engine for 10 to 15 minutes to make sure the fuel stabilizer makes it all the way. Top off the fuel. 2. Change the engine oil 3. Change the oil filter 4. Consider replacing the brake fluid. 5. Consider changing the coolant. 6. Consider changing the gear oil 7. Clean the engine compartment 8. Clean the underside of the car 9. Inflate all tires to the maximum recommended on the sidewalls. 10. Fully detail the car, including a top quality wax job and dressing of all plastic and rubber parts. Park car inside of a garage. 11. Jack the car 1 to 2 inches so the tires do not hold all the weight. 12. Remove each plug and pour in about 1 to 2 ounces of regular engine oil or marvel mystery oil. Using the starter (remove coil cable to distributor since you do not want the engine to start) rotate the engine a few revs to get the oil on all upper portions of the cylinder head. 13. Put steel wool on the exhaust tip. Put a piece of plastic also at the end held in place with a rubber band. This is intended to stop critters from nesting inside your exhaust. 14. Using a large plastic bag put it over the fan assembly and air filter inlet to prevent critters making it in that route. 15. Remove the battery. Clean area; if you find rust treat it with POR 15 or equivalent. Top of the battery cells and store battery in a cool dry place (above freezing). 16. Get three plastic containers. Fill with cedar shavings, and then put in trunk, cab, and engine compartment. 17. Get 2 damp rid. Put one in the trunk and another in the cab. 18. Open the glove door and the ashtray. 19. Do not engage the emergency brake. It most likely will freeze on you during the long months of not being used. 20. Close the doors, trunk, and lid. But do not fully compress the rubber. This is specially important with the doors and rear hatch. Note: Dress all rubber gaskets. 21. Get a sheet of plastic and lay below your car. This prevents moisture that comes up thru the slab from causing any rust in your car. 22. Get a breathable cover and cover your car. 23. Check the damp rid and cedar shavings at least every two weeks and replace/drain as needed