Miata Mailing List: June 1994, Message #186
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   From: wzehring@cmb.biosci.wayne.edu (Will Zehring)
Subject: winter (?) storage
   Date: Thu, 9 Jun 1994 08:39:38 -0400

Fellow fiends:

I'm a bit confused as to why we are talking about winter storage in June 
(are there list members in the southern hemisphere?), not that I'd rather 
talk about AC in a convertible or hear more about dunlops (oopps), but, 
though my Miata is a 12 month/year driver, let me tell you what I do for my 
*other* cars that are only warm weather vehicles ('63 MG, '67 Jag):

1.      change oil and oil filter (*always* store the engine with fresh oil)
2.      disconnect batter, move indoors and trickle charge every couple of weeks
3.      close up tail pipe(s) with rag or paper towels
4.      open all heater/ac/air vents
5.      put car on jacks (relieves load on sidewalls and wire wheels)
6.      lube all possible lube points, generously, too
7.      use a marine engine "fogger" (see below)
8.      fill gas tank as full as you can get it
9.      drain coolant (depending upon your mileage, I don't see why you 
can't save it and use it for at least two years).

Now, obviously, not all of these will apply to the miata (points 6 and 7, at 
least).  The engine fogger is an aerosol something-er-rather you can buy at 
a good marine supply store.  I spray it into the throats of the carbs (good 
ole SU's) while the engine is running.  As the engine starts to run rough 
(Essentially, I'm flooding it with the spray), shut things off and don't 
start them up until spring.  The fogger coats the carb throats, cyliner 
walls, valve seats, etc., and is a perfect replacement for a few drops of 
oil down the plug holes.   I guess boat owners have been doing this for some 
time.   I *don't* remove plugs, and frankly don't understand why one 
would/should.   There is debate among friends here whether or not the gas 
tank should be full or empty.  My argument is that it might lessen 
condensation.  Certainly, most gasolines don't store very well and the car 
may not run completely normally until that "aged" tank is used up in the 
spring.  Others suggest gas stabilizers.  I have no experience with them.  
Some methanol can't hurt as a drying agent, too.

My advice is forget about winter, and drive!  We can talk about this again 
in five months!

Will  Zehring