Here in Minnesota, we have some pretty wicked winter weather. Gerty will be
sleeping for the winter in my own very first garage this year and will be
close at hand. Here's what I do:
Change the oil. Oil gets acidic over time after the engine has been run.
If you have more than 1500mi on it, change it in the fall. Top up the brake
fluid and test the coolant. Mine is good to -30f . (It gets cold in
Minnesota)
Pump up the tires. I'm not sure why actually, but my Dad always did this
when putting his DeSoto asleep for the winter months. I think it helps the
bead keep sealed. He pumps his up to 45psi. I do this too with good
results.
Top up the fuel, add STA-BIL or another fuel stabilizer. The full tank
keeps condensation to a minimum. Less air in the tank means less
condensation in the tank. Sta-bil or some other stabilizer keeps the fuel
from jelling or varnishing in the float bowls. Make sure you add the
stabilizer, then run it through the carbs for 10 minutes or so. It's best
to add the sta-bil at the gas station, then fill up the tank and drive it
home.
I put Gerty up on blocks for the winter. Keeps the springs nicer I think.
If you *do* put it up, make sure that the front and rear levers on the
shocks aren't compressing the rubber snubbers under them. You could add a
small block of wood under the arm to the body to make sure this doesn't
happen.
I have layed thick black plastic under the car to keep moisture from coming
through the cement garage floor and condensing on the car. YES, it DOES
come through the cement. DO NOT cover the car with plastic. It's very
important that it be able to "breathe". Don't seal the car in a bag. BAD
IDEA! A dust cover or car cover is good, but make sure that it can breathe.
Lastly, I take the battery out and take it to the basement. Charge it up
full overnight, then put it to bed. Make sure that you don't place it on a
concrete floor. Putting the battery on concrete (I've been told) can wick
the charge out of it. I put mine on a 4x4 that was laying around.
That's it! Easy!
Happy wintering.
Curtis Carlson
'66 Austin Healey Sprite MkIII ("Gerty") HAN8L-63423
'72 MG Midget MkIII ("unnamed")
________________________
Research Geographer 612.931.3936 (voice)
Navigation Technologies 612.931.3937 (fax)
5780 Lincoln Dr Ste. 100 612.251.7492 (mobile)
Edina, MN 55436 carlson@navtech.com
----- Original Message -----
From: <Tomsjetta@aol.com>
To: <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, November 15, 1999 11:16 PM
Subject: The Wintry Midget
> I am aware that there are guides out there regarding winter storage of our
> LBC's, but I'm not sure if I'm in a unique situation or not. This will be
my
> first winter with my Midget, and I want to make sure I take good care of
her.
>
> First of all, I live in CT, and it has been getting cold, so I have not
been
> driving her much at all. For the past few weeks, I've taken her for a spin
> once a week. Except for the last time, she started up on the first try,
and
> has driven as good as any other time. The car had a new battery installed
in
> August, and that was the last time the oil was changed.
>
> The gasket on the valve cover is shot, and is clearly leaking oil. I have
the
> gasket, but no torque wrench. I do not want to tighten it too hard. Plus,
I
> am afraid the throttle cord will snap since it goes right over the valve
> cover. I know that for a couple bucks my mechanic will do it right, with
no
> hassle.
>
> My garage is nothing to brag about. It's been standing since 1940, and has
no
> electricity. A loft covers half the front end, so I can't fully open the
> hood; with no light in there, it wouldn't matter anyways. At this point,
all
> I'm making sure of is that the car sits with a full tank of gas.
>
> Obviously, once the snow starts falling, I will stop taking the car out.
> Given my limitations, what should I do with the car-anything? In the very
> least, I'd like to start her up for a while once every weekend. MG World
says
> to keep the hood and trunk open to allow for air passage. I can't do that
> with the trunk, since the light would drain the battery. Also, they
recommend
> having the top up, but not latched. Should I do this?
>
> I realize I don't have the perfect home for my car, but it's all I've got.
> And no, before you ask, I do not have a cover, and yes, I am noticing some
> dust accumulation.
>
> So list, let's hear what you have to say to this mechanically simple
man....
>
> Tom
> 78 Midget
> Drafty garage, no electricity, no cover, no tools, 400 yards from Long
Island
> Sound.
>
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