First of all -- Happy Veteran's Day and Thank YOU, to every Vet!
Tried a search (for the record) w/o success so, here goes:
Through no choice of my own, I am going to have to park my '66 for at least 3-4 months this winter (can't / won't drive if there is even a chance of roadsalt, anyway).
I have been running her just fine on the highest octane gas I can buy at the pump, without any fuel (lead) 'additive'; however; there is still obviously ethanol in what I have been using.
How do you store ('winterize') your car / fuel system long term?
A buddy suggested an approriate amount of Marine Formula STA-BIL which is what I use on small engines with success but, this is an ALL ORIGINAL 389 tri-power. I am not exxagerating when I say ALL original, either and therefore; I don't want to take any stupid chances . . .
Thanks in advance, this forum and the expertise of the members really does rock!
Fill her up and add the appropriate amount of regular Sta-bil and she will be fine. By regular Sta-bil, I am referring to what you buy off the shelf at any auto parts store.
I always take her to the gas station, add the appropriate amount of sta-bil then fill the tank to the brim to keep as much condensation as possible out of the tank. I then drive home to circulate the sta-bil through the fuel system then finally dump some sta-bil right down the carb then shut her off for the winter. Been doing this or a long time, never a problem with rancid gas or gum in the carb. Fires right up in the spring, smokes a little till you get the old gas burnt out, I usually burn 1/2 the tank then fill it with fresh preimum fuel, runs great. Wish I didn't have to put her away for the winter either, but it's part of life in this part of the country.
I will drive mine in the winter when the weather allows. I do put stabil in the gas tank along with HEET (gasline anti-freeze and water remover). Will run the car & motor to mix. I will use the gas in the tank all winter then in the spring I will add more HEET and go put fresh gas in.
SANDU002, kilkm68, GTO JUDGE, thank you all! I didn't want to seem overly 'obsessive'; however; I have heard some pretty horrific stories about gas with ethanol, etc in it, after it gets too old, etc. No way I want to risk anything with this original 389. Thanks again for your time and assist!
Another follow up question regarding storage. Would you recommend disconnecting the battery? I am looking to rent an indoor storage locker for the winter so I can free up my garage for my truck.
Yes, definitely disconnect the battery. Check with the storage place as they may actually require that you remove it altogether. When I used to store the Monte, the insurance required all cars to remove their batteries due to fire hazard.
actually, most storage units that are enclosed and are for storage require less than 1/4 tank (prefer empty) due to fire laws and the storage unit property insurance. (if you ask them about it)
no reason to add HEET (more alcohol) to the gasoline if it already contains 10% ethanol. that is enough alcohol to absorb all the water condensation by itself.
I run a Deltran Battery Tender Plus on mine, top up the tire pressure as well as the Sta-Bil and full gas tank...
Bill
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