Storage
 

Do you guys drain the radiator and block or drain the water and put antifreeze and pump lube in. I just drained the water out of mine but thinking that it would make the inside of the block rusty without anything in it. What are your thoughts?

Re: Storage
 

I put antifreeze rated to at least -25 F in mine. Then circulate for awhile so everything gets coated with the antifreeze.

I fill it up high enough to make sure the water pump is covered all winter.

Re: Storage
 

DITTO

The 1st year I had a stocker combo in my car, I drained the radiator with just the back of the car on the trailer. Next spring there were freeze plugs on the floor.

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The one year I tried that, some water got trapped inside and pushed out a freeze plug, may or may not have affected the head gasket. I did pull the drain plug on the side of the block too. Not good to visit your toy in Feb, and wonder whats that on the floor!

Now for the fleet, I take no chances, period. Every year before halloween, I simply empty the radiator with the drain spout, put one gallon of 100% antifreeze and fill up to the top with 50/50, run it to circulate it through the system and call it a day, it usually tests to -40 or -50, so good to go.

Eric

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Mike Walter told me this years ago. Spray running engine down with outboard engine fogging oil. Spray enough in it so it looks like the car is on fire. While spraying have some one kill engine. This will help fight corrosion in the engine when the car is cold and a warm moist weather front comes through.

Drain the block and cooling system and leave open so the last bit will evaporate.

Remove plugs and apply a squirt of fogging oil in each cylinder. Spin engine over to help coat cylinder walls.

Put number 1 at TDC and back of the rocker arms two to three turns on the valves that are close to max lift. Keep notes as to which valve got backed off and by how much. It will be handy information come spring.

Install plugs finger tight and it should be ready for its long winters nap.

It may not be the best way but it works for me.

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I remove the carb, then turn the engine over while spraying fogging oil down each intake runner.

Back off any rocker that does not have play.

Drain cooling system and fill with antifreeze.

Remove batteries.

In the Spring, be sure to tighten rockers first, before turning the engine over. Much easier that way!

Re: Storage
 

Any tips for a more moderate climate like Washington State? The car is in an unheated garage undergoing minor updates to electrical and interior paint. It's seldom below freezing and if it goes there it's only for a day or two but it is constantly damp all Winter. I currently fire the car at least once a week with water only in the cooling system. I pull it out for a full warm up when I can. Any additive I should have in it?

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I have been told 02 sensors on FI cars do not like oil. Some oils, like WD40, will kill them instantly. Keep that in mind when your drowning them with oil

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Also, haven't been in the habit of backing off rockers for a few years now. I religiously turn the engine over at least 180 degrees every week or so. Heard many years ago that modern valve springs don't take a "set" like older technology did. And when I check them, even after a winter, there is no noticeable difference in pressures.

Re: Storage
 

Thanks for pointing that out.
I have one O2 sensor but it is used for data logging, not engine operation so it would be easy to take out and run the engine