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In this Discussion
- Chrysler300 May 2008
- merlinj79 May 2008
Letting a car sit question?
-
I haven't used my car in several months and won't be able to for several more. I'm having a service come over today to take out the old gas. They circulate fresh gas through the system which also pulls out any slug etc. One question is, is it better to leave the tank empty until I'm ready to get the car running and use it again?
The other question is can other fluids such as motor oil, tran fluid go bad just sitting?
Lastly should I take out the plugs spray oil or something in and put them back?
Like I said it's already sat for several months so I may have already ruined it.
Thanks -
Generally, more than a week sitting is not recomended...
The oil runs off of all the moving parts which makes them susceptible to rust.
Moisture from the air finds it's way into the engine, condenses on parts, and can facilitate rust.
Rubber seals and gaskets which are normally exposed to oil can dry out, harden, and crack.
Moisture can accumulate in oil and tranny fluid, and wheel bearing grease.
The best way to prevent this is to drive the car at least a few miles each week to allow the oil to warm up to normal operating temp...this will drive off any moisture and keep everything oiled.
The best thing to do would be to fuel the vehicle and at least run the engine if you can't actually drive it. Shift gears, turn the steeering wheel, pump the brakes, etc. basically give everything a workout.
I would think that you would not want to leave the fuel tank exposed to air...fill it up and add some fuel-tank drier to prevent moisture accumulation (the stuff in the red bottle, Heet). -
Thanks merlinj79.
Having set for awhile what is the best way to get it running again?
Should I put good gas in, take take out the plugs and lub up the cylinders and try to turn it over?
If I should do this what is the best product to put in the cylinders and how much?
What about the carb? Do I need ot do anything with it? -
I'd put good gas in for sure, and it might not be a bad idea to squirt a little motor oil in each cyclinder since the walls are probably dry...use the same squirt-bottle you would use for a compression check.
Not sure about the carb. I'd probably just try it and see...if it runs poorly you might need to dissassemble and clean fuel residue out of the carb.
