In a message dated 11/9/2005 6:14:03 PM Central Standard Time,
TR250Driver@aol.com writes:
> Dave,
> The theory behind stabilizer is to run it thru to the carbs because that is
> where the problem may occur. Ever seen the bottom of a Z/S float bowl?
> Looks pretty cruddy huh? I would rather error on the side of caution that is
> why I usually use the stuff. Even in my Wheel Horse! Modern Gas
>formulations
> are only meant to be stable for a short period of time so I am told.
Considering how they leak dry anyway (those O-rings don't seal all that well)
I don't see that as a problem.
I picked up on the run them empty philosophy from the folks at the Crawford
Auto
> Museum here in Cleveland. They swear by it, of course the fact that they
> have 300 cars in a warehouse may have something to do with it. The keep them
> full theroy is meant to prevent rust within the tank. However, since most of
> the tanks on my restored cars are lined by the gas tank RENU process that is
> not a concern for me. Agreed, the short 5 month time frame is a factor too.
The theory I heard is that a full gas tank is much less explosive than an
almost empty one. You can run the car until the fuel pickup stops pulling gas
but there will always be a little in the bottom. The only way to get it out is
to force ventilate the tank evaporate the residual amount. I've heard stories
about boat storage facilities catching fire and the only thing left are the
gas tanks that were full. May be urban myth. Maybe those two special effects
guys come scientists on the Discovery channel should investigate that one.
I guess I f I had 300 cars each of which could hold 15 gallons I'd think
twice about keeping 4500 gallons of gas around if I didn't have to. That's
over
$9,000.00 at todays prices.
I always try to start each car every month, let it run till operating
temperature is
> achieved. I think everyone will agree that the worst thing one can do to a
> car is let it sit. Things go bad in my experience.
I wonder about the starting it every month business. I think that if you
don't allow the oil to come up to temperature you may be causing more harm than
good. The oil gets poluted with unburnt gas and moisture from exhaust gases
and unless they are boiled off they can cause trouble. I say don't start them
unless you are going to run them a good while. Just getting the water up to
temp is not sufficient, I think.
The biggest problem is moisture. If you keep them in a dry place they will
be much happier. But these are just my opinions. I figure we rebuild these
things way too soon anyway because we are perfectionists. These cars will
tolerate a whole lot more than what we subject them to.
Cheers
Dave
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