Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: kkkaiser on November 12, 2017, 03:08:45 PM

Title: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: kkkaiser on November 12, 2017, 03:08:45 PM
I have a task of trying to decide which car to take back with me to Mississippi from Montana  until march or so.

I have rad many of the post, but wanted to clarify to model

I will be having some one start and ride about once every 10 days during the winter,  for about 30-40 miles.  so it wont be  total dead storage, so should i get a product like seafoam or the like and run through before I go?  fill tank all the way up to top and what ever else should i do, depending on which unit i take home..  its a hard decision to make,, i like them both, but the eldo is a good weather car as far as I am concerned, its no fun to rid with top up,,  and any one who knows MS humidity if you leave top down accidentally, the humidity will make the car look like it was rained in.  on the other hand the 63 is all weather, i like to drive it.. fond of the the fins too,

back to the point, what measures should i take, to insure good performance upon return

sincerely
Kim
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: Bobby B on November 12, 2017, 06:35:35 PM
Kim,
Hi. Seafoam has nothing to do with storing a Vehicle. I top up with Premium Fuel, add Sta-Bil for use with Ethanol Fuel, and a cup of MMO. The trip back from the gas station will usually get the juices flowing thru. When I get back home I disconnect the battery and call it a day. Starts right up in the spring like it was never asleep. Just my 2 cents......
            Bobby


Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: Lexi on November 12, 2017, 07:16:14 PM
Don't think it is necessary to start and run it every 10 days. Bobby's advice makes sense to me. I would also connect a smart charger to the battery and leave it connected. I would then disconnect such, then give the battery a deep charge with a regular charger to keep the acid and the water mixed, or else the battery will sulfate prematurely. A 10 amp trickle charger hooked up for an hour every month or so, should do. Then reconnect your smart charger, (the type that won't burn your cell plates out). I would do that regardless of whether the battery is left in the car or stored inside, when not in use for a period exceeding a month. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: TJ Hopland on November 12, 2017, 08:39:45 PM
Quote from: Bobby B on November 12, 2017, 06:35:35 PMHi. Seafoam has nothing to do with storing a Vehicle. I top up with Premium Fuel, add Sta-Bil for use with Ethanol Fuel, and a cup of MMO.

One of SeaFoam's many applications is fuel storage in fact their sales pitch is very similar to MMO.    I'm not saying one is better than the other, just saying that they are both advertised to do pretty much the same thing.   I use products from both companies and think they both have good products.   
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: Bobby B on November 12, 2017, 08:54:20 PM
Quote from: TJ Hopland on November 12, 2017, 08:39:45 PM
One of SeaFoam's many applications is fuel storage in fact their sales pitch is very similar to MMO.    I'm not saying one is better than the other, just saying that they are both advertised to do pretty much the same thing.   I use products from both companies and think they both have good products.   

TJ,
I always equated Seafoam with Snake Oil. I hear people dumping that stuff into a running engine and telling me that it feels like it was rebuilt. That, I just don't get. MMO has been around forever. Fastest way to seat new rings on a rebuild. Old Racer's trick.....
                                                                                                                              Bobby
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: TJ Hopland on November 13, 2017, 05:39:22 AM
You have never heard of miracles being performed by using Marvel Oil?  You use it because its average and you can't tell a difference?   I'm not trying to be mean and say your product is bad and you are wrong.  I'm just saying its a Coke / Pepsi or a Ford / Chev thing.   I probably know more sea foam people in my area than marvel.  Maybe its a regional thing, I have always heard that Marvel was the snake oil.  Could be with our 10,000 lakes people like the name, maybe if they named it lake foam it would sell even better?   It does look like the company primarily was based and distributed in the upper mid west originally so that could also be a reason its always been popular around me.   I don't think I knew they were based here, I always assumed they were from the east, closer to the 'sea'.  Looks like Marvel started in Chicago then was in NY then in 99 back to Chicago.

Looks like the Marvel company has been around since 1923 and Seafoam just says the 1930's so you may have them there for age. 

If you read their sales pitches they are very similar, they both claim to be superior and awesome in every way and what ever issue you have or think you may have its the product for you.  Both really fit the typical definition of snake oil.  Both could easily be a waste of money along with the 20 other brands of similar products available on the same shelf. 

https://seafoamsales.com/about-us/
http://www.marvelmysteryoil.com/our-history/

   

Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: Bobby B on November 13, 2017, 06:24:06 AM
Quote from: TJ Hopland on November 13, 2017, 05:39:22 AM
You have never heard of miracles being performed by using Marvel Oil?

I just use it for an little upper end lubricant in any of the old cars. Nothing more, nothing less....... ;)
                                                                                                                     Bobby
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: kkkaiser on November 13, 2017, 11:25:31 AM
So you dont think i need t hire someone to drive it and keep things moving couple times a month, huh?  i aways thought keeping them moving and not sitting, especially in bitter cold, was not good, but i have such little knowledge, that is why I was asking,, 

I will head to he parts store and see which of the two is on the shelf,, filler up with hi test premium and undo the negative battery post,,as i will be leaving it for 4-5 months,, a charger will not be possible given the circumstance.

if anything else comes to mind before friday. please feel free to let me know..
Sincerely
kim
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: TJ Hopland on November 13, 2017, 12:09:38 PM
When you are talking about months of storage vs years I think the most important factors are non ethanol fuel or the treatment of your choice if you don't have a non ethanol option and finding a way to keep critters away.   6 months isn't long enough for serious long term damage to mechanical systems but a few mice can easily destroy the car in that time.   In most cases you could rebuild an engine cheaper than replacing the interior.   

The car that is going to sit in Montana is the one you were going to have someone drive?   

If it can be driven enough to get a good workout and get to full operating temp that isn't a bad thing.   Driving it keeps seals from drying out and will hopefully annoy or displace anything trying to live in the car. 

Its if you can't get it a good workout that many people think its better to not run it at all.   I'm one that thinks just starting it and letting it idle does more harm than good.  A nice drive gets everything good and hot plus sloshes everything around.   
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on November 13, 2017, 12:27:02 PM
Quote from: kkkaiser on November 13, 2017, 11:25:31 AM
So you dont think i need t hire someone to drive it and keep things moving couple times a month, huh?  i aways thought keeping them moving and not sitting, especially in bitter cold,

Definitely not!
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: Lexi on November 13, 2017, 12:48:47 PM
TJs comments on discouraging vermin from living in the car are noteworthy. This topic has been covered recently and you may want to search this Forum and read the posts. I agree that a few months of storage is not a big deal, if the car is stored correctly. If you will have the car driven periodically, I am still of the opinion that every 2 weeks is not necessary, especially if start up day happens to be during a 'cold snap'. Best to wait for a milder day, even if that means that the car will sit for another week or two. Better that way. In my opinion, the decision to start your classic car during winter storage largely depends on the temperature, (as well as your battery condition/situation). If routine 'mild' days pop up, then go for it. No point in sticking to a 2 week schedule though, especially if there is a cold snap. A monthly or so, planned start up would make more sense especially if you must leave the battery in the car (and not on any charger). Perhaps see what items you could disconnect to save power (and wear and tear) such as your clock-when your car is stored and not in use.

You did not say whether your car will be sitting outside or stored in a garage. If left outdoors you may wish to also search the Forum for recent posts on car covers, in which this matter was discussed. I sometimes start my car during the winter, say every 3- 4 weeks (and on a 'mild' day), though last year I did not. I would consider putting a synthetic oil in the crankcase to reduce cold start up wear if planning to run the car at this time. At the very least I would put a lighter weight oil in the engine crankcase. I would also top up the fuel after every trip with fresh gas (mixed with a fuel stabilizer) to keep the tank topped up so as to remove most of the condensation that can form inside the tank.

If the car is driven occasionally, hopefully that will be enough to keep the battery charged, thus making it less prone to freezing-and help to scare away any vermin. Good luck Kim! Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on November 13, 2017, 02:18:21 PM
Keeping the battery charged is a very poor reason for periodically starting a car while being stored over the winter for all the harm that is being done nor does it even do the battery much good, if at all.


Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: Lexi on November 13, 2017, 03:05:52 PM
I agree Eric. It is a secondary reason and should not take precedence. I only mentioned it as it may be a factor if his battery is not 100% to begin with. Have no idea what average temperatures his car will experience, but if always around freezing or a little above, his initial plan is probably OK, all things considered. If much lower temperatures are the norm, that would change things. Kim said putting a charger on it is not an option, so perhaps therein lies, if only in part, his concern/belief to start the vehicle more regularly-lest it not start at all. But yeah, not a good reason to keep starting it. If it were me I would remove the battery and bring it inside where it could be stored and looked after properly, as putting a charger on it in situ is not an option. As with a lot of posts on this Forum there are often certain facts not given which makes offering guidance more speculative. If it were my car, given the circumstances noted, I would be inclined to remove the battery as described and let the vehicle sit.

One thing I have never explored, though may provide Kim with some piece of mind is putting 'dry start' oil in his crankcase. These oils are intended not to run off or drain back into the crankcase as quickly, thereby avoiding 'dry start' in the spring. Think that sort of protection is good for about 6 months max. Believe the intention is to drain and replace with your usual oil in the spring. These products are designed for storage. Perhaps someone with more info on this could comment? May alleviate some of Kim's concerns should he decide to let the vehicle sit (without starting). Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: Carl Fielding on November 13, 2017, 06:47:15 PM
Hi Kim ! Montana Winter with very cold conditions and extremely low humidity are easy on sleeping machinery. It will do more damage to a car in such conditions to start it at all. My shop in Central WA is quite good , not as cold or arid as you , but better than most locations. I never have any problems whatsoever leaving the cars cold , dry , and unstarted for even 8 - 9 months. If a warm beautiful spell comes along , it is great to go for a 50 - 200 mile , work all systems , drive. But particularly if you WANT to take a drive. It is not essential at all for the brief lay up period you plan. Mouse is the only danger as per above. I assume inside storage. Leave engine compartment and trunk open , and buy a couple dozen of those white glue pads. Think like a mouse and deploy accordingly everywhere a mouse will go inside and out of all regions of the car. Lighting the car locally bothers the critters , but DO have your friend monitor the glue pads fairly often. Take more drastic measures , (or put another dozen or more BAITED pads) , if the glue pads become productive. Disconnect the battery at a minimum as per above. Please give me a call again some time if you would like. I enjoyed talking with you very much. How fortunate you are to spend Winter in the Sunny South !   - Carl  408-621-8261
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: Carl Fielding on November 13, 2017, 07:23:15 PM
Oh also , Kim and all :The relatively new Amsoil Z-Rod synthetic oil is engineered in part for use in engines such as ours to provide enhanced protection over lay up periods. Available in both 10W/30 and 20W/50 (or mix 50/50 for a 15W/40). I am not an Amsoil dealer , have no dog in the fight , if I can find a better oil , I will use it.  - Carl
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: kkkaiser on November 13, 2017, 07:48:44 PM
Hi Carl,  glad to see you about,, i have been spending more time over at the 63 forum since i got it this summer and trying to get it running good,,73 runs real good,,  knock on wood,, !!just some leaks I'm fighting on the 63,, hope to get a new gasket on he oil pump at home to cure that one and replace the PS pump and hoses,, its a constant leak,, but, other than that, seems good.

thanks to all that have responded.   i have the z rod oil in the engine changed back in august,  it will be stored and covered outside with a goretex sort of cover that breaths, a budge cover I think,,, ,, i just dont have a garage,, based on what has been said,, i think i will just put the sta-bil storage fluid in a fresh tank of hi test, un do battery,  put out some mouse sticky traps,, and hope for the best,,i wish i could i haul them both home, because i like driving them both, but i only have a 20 foot trailer,,

again, thanks,,

Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: Lexi on November 13, 2017, 07:58:59 PM
Kim makes sure your cover is secured well. I have seen paint finishes 'feathered' on high spots by covers moved enough by the wind to cause damage in one storage season. Hope your drive goes well and is safe. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: Carl Fielding on November 14, 2017, 05:59:30 AM
Outside storage is another matter entirely. Covering under a carport for extended periods can work by layering covers of different capabilities. Gore-Tex (TM) is wonderful stuff. My company made the world's first consumer product out of it , a tent called the Light Dimension , over 40 years ago. However , for your particular needs , I recommend parking uncovered in a shaded area. Sun is tough on cars. You don't get much precip there , do you ? Is it at all possible to rent inside storage at this late date ?   - Carl
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: Lexi on November 14, 2017, 09:30:48 AM
If you have a choice of parking spots, don't leave it where moisture will collect at ground level. Park it on a hard surface like a driveway as opposed to the grass or soft earth. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: 35-709 on November 14, 2017, 09:46:36 PM
Really tough to leave a nice older Cadillac outside for winter storage in Montana.  If you can't find a decent indoor storage spot, rent a tow dolly and bumper hitch and tow them both to Mississippi.  Or, drive one down and fly back and bring the other down, or, have one shipped to Miss., probably cost about the same in the long run.
Title: Re: Storage revisited,, 73 eldo 63 cdv
Post by: kkkaiser on November 15, 2017, 01:13:32 AM
well, we are dryer mountain desert in this part,, we get snow, but not as much as one would think being at the north entrance of Yellowstone but, the logistics of moving cars to areas with storage is tough, 55 miles to nearest storage facility,, have to find someone to take off work to make the ride and follow me.. it will be parked in front of one of my houses on the street south facing, covered with the budge car cover. so solar radiance keeps things from accumulation too much in this part of the state.   I am only going to be gone for about 4 months, five at most, and moving cars is about a thousand if i use a car hauler,, and then another grand for the trip back,, i do it twice a year. so it could get costly.  The eldo is running pretty good, so i decided to leave it in MT,, and the 63 cdv has a PS leak and oil pump leak, so want to take it home and try to fix these leaks while the weather is good down there,,at this point in my planning, its about the best i can do right now,, the cars finish to begin with is not a show finish, so while I'm concerned, I'm not concerned,,my concern is the engine, and it doesnt sound like, if i use the stabilizer products, fill er up with hi test and un do the battery, i should be ok upon return.  at least i hope,