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Storing my 8 for two months, should I put it on jack stands?

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Old Jul 13, 2010 | 11:04 PM
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Storing my 8 for two months, should I put it on jack stands?

I am going on a work related trip for two months and I was wondering if I should leave the car on stands to avoid flat spots. Other than that i am going todo the following.
  • Put fresh oil
  • Fill up with gas and add stabilizer
  • Close up the exhaust and Intake to avoid any vermins getting in
  • top off coolant
  • disconnect battery and put it on battery tender
Anything else I should be worried about?
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Old Jul 13, 2010 | 11:10 PM
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i put mine away for 5 mths during winter and no jack stands, no oil change, no stabilizer, forgot to take off battery, didnt block exhaust, didnt touch coolant

NO PROBLEM, cranked up first time after I replaced the battery

lol
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Old Jul 13, 2010 | 11:19 PM
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did you have any flat spots on the tires?
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Old Jul 13, 2010 | 11:23 PM
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you got it all backward
all you need is disconnect the battery and when you come back you change the oil, fill up water and gas.
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Old Jul 13, 2010 | 11:35 PM
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I leave my RX8 for several months at a time at least twice a year. If I make sure to chirp the alarm before I go, I know every things ok, and battery has always started. Tires will unflat spot with a few miles driving when you get back. All those fluids will be fine, even my manual says long life antifreeze will go 8 years or 100,000 miles.

The only thing I worry about is burglers or mice in the AC system. Now is it set the air switch to outside air or recirculate air to keep those varmits out? Anyone remember?
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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 12:15 AM
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Leave the AC on re-circulate. It blocks off the ac from the outside.

And not sure if leaving the car on jack stands is too good for the car. It might put unnecessary stress on the jack points. You risk damaging the metal. (Not sure if that will actually happen though)
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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 12:17 AM
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Originally Posted by srinivasadi
did you have any flat spots on the tires?
nope, but i didnt care if they did get bald spots since my tires were finished
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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 12:23 AM
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disconnect battery and put good cover on it
if you're worried about vermin put some bait traps under the car
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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 12:59 AM
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Wheel chocks instead of using the e-brake.
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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 07:14 AM
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Originally Posted by REDRX3RX8
The only thing I worry about is burglers or mice in the AC system. Now is it set the air switch to outside air or recirculate air to keep those varmits out? Anyone remember?
Burglers in the AC system always worried me too so I put sharp spikes to help deter the overly invasive burgler seeking to gain entry into my AC.... damn taffers
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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 08:58 AM
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Why are you making it so complicated? Just park your car in your living room ON jack stands. Problem solved.
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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 10:32 AM
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lmao
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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 10:44 AM
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I store one of my cars for 6-7 months out of the year and I don't get flat spots. But battery tender is a good idea and car cover.
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 06:57 AM
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Alright, so did some research myself and looks like like you guys have experienced low profile tires are less susceptible to flat spots. So I am not going to put on stands. Also my girl friend would be starting up the car once every week and let it run for sometime so I guess, I dont have to be too worried. Thanks again for all your opinions.
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 07:03 AM
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Add fuel stabilizer and take it for a spin as directed
Pump the tires to max rated pressure (don't forget to set proper pressure when you return)
Attach a battery tender and leave the battery connected
Cover the car if you want to
plug the exhaust with stainless steel wool
Set the alarm
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 01:35 PM
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Originally Posted by srinivasadi
Alright, so did some research myself and looks like like you guys have experienced low profile tires are less susceptible to flat spots. So I am not going to put on stands. Also my girl friend would be starting up the car once every week and let it run for sometime so I guess, I dont have to be too worried. Thanks again for all your opinions.

It was always my understanding, that its better to never start it, than start it and let it idle for 10 minutes before turning it off. This includes even if storing for months on end. If she can take it out and drive it around it would be better than idling.
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 02:10 PM
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^^^ I can see it either way...

I can see the main reason of wanting to start it up to get the oil flowing etc but the main problem is your not getting the oil up to temp and your going to have carbon buildup from not redlining...
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by WTBRotary!
^^^ I can see it either way...

I can see the main reason of wanting to start it up to get the oil flowing etc but the main problem is your not getting the oil up to temp and your going to have carbon buildup from not redlining...
I am in Iraq, and i told my wife to start it once a week and drive it, well she was lazy and just started it, and then about 3 months into it, she went to drive it, and threw a CEL. Shutter valve is now clogged. And now wont start. So, i would suggest that you just leave it, lock it, take out battery. When you come back, change oil, add stabilizer, make sure tires are at proper psi, and you are good.
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 03:08 PM
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^^^ Exactly...
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by TrevorsTII
When you come back, change oil, add stabilizer, make sure tires are at proper psi, and you are good.
You have to put in the fuel stabilizer before you store the car.... Just follow the directions on the bottle...
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 04:48 PM
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Blah, too much typing i have done late at night. Mind is on living for the next couple weeks.

You knew what i wanted to say, thanks for correcting me.
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 04:55 PM
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As long as he ends up with the right info it's all good!
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 06:15 PM
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Alright so I guess this is what I am going to do based on the recommendations so
1. Take the battery out and put it on a tender
2. Tire pressure to the max rated
3. AC to re-circulate, clog exhaust with steel wool
4. Add fuel and fuel stabilizer before storing(make sure to run ti to have the stabilizer in the system ).

Thanks again guys.
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