With the race season coming to a close

[Ghoste]

Are there any special procedures you regulars follow to put the car away for the winter that are different from "normal" hobby cars?  Do you have an annual winter maintenance schedule that you perform in the car in the off season?

[BBKNARF]

I know we all have differant ways on storing our cars depending where you live, I normally drain my gas tank, back off all the rocker arms (no load on springs), remove the battery and cover the car.
Before I start it up I change the oil and filter and fresh gas.

[Ghoste]

Do you ever do a partial teardown just to see how everything looks?

[RallyeMike]

back off all the rocker arms (no load on springs)

Springs only wear out when taken past yield or through repetitive cycles. You should spend that time drinking a few beers.

[Ghoste]

I thought if they sat too long under load they would take a "set" and become weaker?

[Challenger340]

I know we all have differant ways on storing our cars depending where you live, I normally drain my gas tank, back off all the rocker arms (no load on springs), remove the battery and cover the car.
Before I start it up I change the oil and filter and fresh gas.

[RallyeMike]

I thought if they sat too long under load they would take a "set" and become weaker?

Not according to the Enginerds. Lots of info online to research this.

[Ghoste]

Being as unschooled as I am I probably shouldn't take a contrary position on it but for the amount of time the process requires I think it's still something I would do.  Obviously not saying the engineers are wrong.  It maybe falls under the same category as the reason I won't finish the last sip of beer or whiskey.

[RallyeMike]

It maybe falls under the same category as the reason I won't finish the last sip of beer or whiskey.

Ok, so maybe the beer is warm by the time you get to the bottom, but the whiskey?  That's just not right 



Back on subject....

1. Moving the car back and forth or taking the weight off the tires to avoid flat spots is a good idea if the car will sit awhile.
2. I also dump some fuel stabilizer in at the end of the season and allow it to run for a few minutes. I read that newer fuel formulas don't keep the gas as fresh for as long (assuming you run pump gas).

[Ghoste]

It's superstition.  My Irish grandmother taught me that God will take you when He chooses but the devil will wait for you to finish your drink