Lotus Long Term Storage (Yr+) - Problems?

[MRpunchinella]

The car will be going into long term storage very soon It will be SORN for at least a year, probably more. The garage is dry, warm even in dead winter but I will not have access to it - family members can check on its well being on my behalf . I was thinking of the battery out and up off its tyres and wheels. There is not enough good light for a dash top charger and I cant use a point to trickle the battery. I thought that this would be too long a time frame anyway. The car is in excellent mechanical condition at the minute with no problems. Im just trying to think of any major headaches I might return to. Should I drain tank etc? dont think it necessary but thinking of dirt etc.

Any help would be very greatly appreciated.

[Rich H]

On the classic stuff you can block the air intake and use a vapour phase inhibitor in the oil, stops condensation rusting things in the engine. also a fuel stabilier will help keep the fuel and tank fresh. A silica gel pack in the car would probably be a good idea too (Not the 10mm square ones, a big one)

[tonyg]

I think you can get special engine oil for storing a car - not sure what it does our how it helps.

[campbell]

Battery disconnected and up on stands in the right places is the only advice I've ever had. Robin said to me recently "the engine doesn't care if doesn't turn for a week or a year" so I imagine draining stuff is generally unnecessary especially if the garage is relatively warm n dry.

Seek some other specialist inputs however as I have never actually done this - although I have come very close this year

[Dominic]

I would store it with as little fuel as possible. Then, when it comes to the time to start it, stick some fresh fuel in it. Fuel goes off over time, and will eventually be very difficult to get a car to start. A fellow SE'r left a K series engined car at the back of my old flat, for about 4 months. It would not fire. Some fresh fuel did the trick.

As others say, up on stands, and disconnect the battery. Throw a breathable dust cover over it.

[Dominic]

On the classic stuff you can block the air intake and use a vapour phase inhibitor in the oil, stops condensation rusting things in the engine. also a fuel stabilier will help keep the fuel and tank fresh. A silica gel pack in the car would probably be a good idea too (Not the 10mm square ones, a big one)

Leave a note in the car of all the things that are blocked / disconnected.... will be easier to start in a year's time when you forget what has been disabled.

[BiggestNizzy]

Left my sheddy clio outside for 2 years charged the battery and she started first time no problems

[MRpunchinella]

Thanks for all the comments, Its def going up off of its wheels and I will leave the tank pretty much empty. Its going to be nice and safe, dry and warm enough.

Really appreciate the advice.

[Rich H]

Even better lend it to Dom, he will love it and care or it like it was his own.

However it might be tricky to get it back...

[mac]

I would store it with as little fuel as possible. Then, when it comes to the time to start it, stick some fresh fuel in it. Fuel goes off over time, and will eventually be very difficult to get a car to start. A fellow SE'r left a K series engined car at the back of my old flat, for about 4 months. It would not fire. Some fresh fuel did the trick.

As others say, up on stands, and disconnect the battery. Throw a breathable dust cover over it.

I disagree - leaving the tank empty can lead to corroision which in turn can block the filters etc. I agree about the petrol going off, but that's what easy start is for

[woody]

I would store it with as little fuel as possible. Then, when it comes to the time to start it, stick some fresh fuel in it. Fuel goes off over time, and will eventually be very difficult to get a car to start. A fellow SE'r left a K series engined car at the back of my old flat, for about 4 months. It would not fire. Some fresh fuel did the trick.

As others say, up on stands, and disconnect the battery. Throw a breathable dust cover over it.

I disagree - leaving the tank empty can lead to corroision which in turn can block the filters etc. I agree about the petrol going off, but that's what easy start is for

I'd be inclined to leave it on a set of already done tyres. The one's on it will be well past their best if the weight of the car is left on them (and pressures not checked) for that length of time. It's also not ideal to leave the car on stands as the prolonged suspension drop may prematurely age/damage the suspension bushes.

You do get oil inhibitor, though I’m not sure where from tbh. IIRC it's added to the oil already in the car and drained for new oil before the engine is fired again. We also use fuel inhibitor to prevent corrosion in the fuel system, but gas turbines have longer more complex systems, I doubt you'd really need it in an Elise.

[MRpunchinella]

ok, think will be able to have the engine turned weekly whilst off the floor. should be ok and I will make sure someone is speaking nicely to it now and again

the car will be on big rails and not stands, these, I believe, will take the full weight of the car leaving the suspension without stress. The tyres that are on are all new with less than 1500 on them so Im not too keen to let them die.

[james]

My S2 has been SORNed since February. I start it occasionally and its in the garage. The battery goes flat pretty quickly and it needs charged overnight before I plan to start it. But it still starts on the button and the heater controls all still seem to move (they can stick with no use apparently.)

I'm currently refitting the brakes (slowly) so its off its wheels. Cant say I'm in a rush to put it back on the ground. Cover the wheels/tyres with blankets to reduce UV light damage.

Make sure you occasionallay sit in the car and make engine noises just to make it feel loved.

[Rusty]

don't say im the first one to offer this,

i'll look after it for you, all it will cost is putting me on the insurance and you pay the petrol, good deal??

I know on bikes if your leaving them for a while, if u fill it full with engine oil means it won't be dry enough to seize, not sure if you could do that with cars,

then just come back and drain the oil and refil, and bingo.

i agree with easystart for the petrol side.

Adam

[MRpunchinella]

Im afraid I will have to put photos of me in the garage if it wants to keep in touch. Work taking me away.

i'll look after it for you, all it will cost is putting me on the insurance and you pay the petrol, good deal??

sounds good but Ive got an 'ACME money incinerator' to look at before I make up my mind

The car is fabulous but nothing more than an ornament over the last two years Year to go on the finance and then paid. I dont need a car at all now so its no hassle.