I'm heading off to Chicago for grad school, but since I'm planning on coming back to Southern Cal for the winter and summer, I'm thinking about putting my RX-8 in storage.

Any tips or recommendations on storing my car? It will be stored in an enclosed space (somebody's garage). Storage time will range from 3 to 6 months. Is 3 months long enough to have to disconnect my battery?

 

Dunno about battery, but I'd disconnect it to prevent it from draining. I'd also try to siphon out as much gas as possible.

FS

 

I recommend putting it up on jack stands if possible to keep your tires from flat spotting. Definitely disconnect the battery and leave as little gas in the tank as possible as suggested. Also add a bottle of drygas to the tank, then just put in a few gallons of fresh gas when it's ready to come out and you'll be good to go.

 

the sentry security backup is constantly draining the battery as did mine on extended storage. I had my brother take it out once every 2-3 weeks but he only spent about 20-30 minutes of time. still the on board security system was draining down during non driving that resulted in a dead battery. I'm not sure if disconnect is the answer but it would save the battery as long as the car ECU can go without power...any expert advice on this, chime in , very good topic ...

 

ECU will prob clear itself of RAM but not it's ROM (I dunno either, really). I just wanted to comment on your random pictures--it's random

FS

 

hey, nothing else ta do in these boring times so I tend to flash random pics to break up some of the repostals. I'll try harder to find some new comedy material... hmmm,not sure If can toke a fullsmoke but I'll try my best.....later my friend............................

 

the ROM on the ECU should be ok. its hard-coded, just like any other computer system. it wont degrade/erase without power. The RAM part of the ECU will probably be reset, but that, again, is like any other computer system.

 

LoL! I have no problem with the random pics--they are funny :D

FS

 

If you don't want to use jack stands, then fill the tires to their maximum inflation level. They will round back out when you drive it again even if they flat spot a little.

 

Here's a good page that covers the stuff you should do though I'm not sure what you would want to do differently for the rotary engine.
http://www.porschenet.com/winter.html

 

Their link says to fill the tank with gas to keep moisture out and add fule stabilizer (such as Stabil).

I've only used Stabil when storing my lawn equipment...it does work.

If the garage has a decent window with Southern exposure, you can get a solar trickle charger for $40 on EBay. Or if you have a trickle charger available, use that, even if you unhook the battery.

Alternatively, let the battery die, charge it up in the Spring, it should hold a charge long enough to start the car and get it to the dealer and get the battery TSB done. :D

Does anyone know how effective the spray oil for winterizing is? You remove the plugs and shoot this aerosol oil in and put the plugs back, supposed to keep surfaces from rusting from long term storage.

 

unplug battery and leave it on a flat, cool surface, preferably concrete

 

concrete drains batteries. you should always leave them raised on something non-conductive, like a pair of short 2X4s.

we never stored batteries on the concrete floor at the trailer shop i worked at, since we discharged an entire rack of them by storing them on concrete.

 

The wonders of MMO--an RX7 owner, I presume?

FS

 

I stored my RX-8 from the end of November to early April. I did the following:

- full tank
- added gas stabilizer
- 35 psi in tires
- fresh oil change
- cleaned car thoroughly inside and out (no crumbs to attract rodents)
- covered car

I found the battery was running down and bought a battery minder (BatteryMINDer 12 volt Charger/Maintainer/Conditioner # BM12v112) on the net. Worked like a charm. I found it for $40 shipped - can't remember where. Here's a link for $50

http://www.batterystuff.com/productd...er_conditioner

I checked the car every 4 -6 weeks and had no issues.

 

Did you disconnect the battery before you connected the BatteryMINDer?

 

no - per instructions and a friend's experience it is designed to be connected to battery while installed in the car. there's even a quick release clip so you could disconnect to drive the car while leaving the ends permanently connected to the battery posts. My buddy uses it in his garage on his rx-8 year-round since he doesn't drive his as often - keeps the battery at full charge without the risks of an old trickle charger