I've been waiting 13 years for this! Now need Winter advice for my motor!

[firstgenfan66!]

Hey all thought you would appreciate this. I bought this car when I was 14 and I just got it back from the paint shop! Cant drive her yet the interior is stripped and the engine (440) has been sitting for about 6 years I didn't have the time to go and start her every once in awhile. It's a shame I know and I wish I could take that time back but can't. I have all the interior already restored just waiting on sound deadening and carpet, then have to put the puzzle together inside... I will probably have more questions coming up when that happens haha. Here are some pics The last one is a close up so you can really see the color! I would Also like some help with the following.

About 8 years ago we put fresh oil in, new gaskets, oil filter, all fresh fluids, and new plugs and wires. But since then it has only been started like twice... With that being done what should I do before Winter hits?

I would like to take care of the motor since it is now closer to me. What would be recommended? Change the oil and the rest of the fluids and get it going again before winter only to have it sit and every once in awhile I can start her up or what would be better options?

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

IMOP just make sure the antifreeze is still in good strength.If you have the time,start it and get it to operating temp to burn the condensation out of the oil & crankcase then put her to sleep.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I think hemi-itis is correct + I'd add that gasoline is only good for about 6 months, so in the Spring, drain it out & put fresh gas in it....and do start it up once in a while so the same 2 cylinders don't stay open to the air (the ones with the intake valves open when the motor is shut off).

 

[oldbee]

Put some "sta-bil " in the gas, fill the tank and all the above.Start up& change oil in the spring.

 

[firstgenfan66!]

Put some "sta-bil " in the gas, fill the tank and all the above.Start up& change oil in the spring.

So you would just get it to start up now with the oil in it as is? let it run and then change the oil in the spring?

 

[oldbee]

Yes, you're not going to be driving much anywhere in the winter. Go fresh in the spring.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Yea,I forgot the fuel. Open the cap and give it a wiff.Then you'll know

 

[firstgenfan66!]

Yea,I forgot the fuel. Open the cap and give it a wiff.Then you'll know

I don't have to worry about the fuel... I have a new tank but the pipe going from where you fill it down to the tank is shot for some reason. I cant find something that will work and connect into the new gas tank now... Any help with that would be much appreciated! right now my gas tank is a 2 gallon container in the hood.

 

[Don Frelier]

Here are my suggestions, I've been doing this for many years...

1. Definitely check the coolant concentration.
2. If you can get ethanol free gas in it, it will last better and have less corrosion in the fuel system. Add Stabil if it's going to sit more than 6 months.
3. Before I put mine to bed I run it for a good while, on the road get it good and hot
and dry out the exhaust.
4. You should change the oil if it's not been changed in a long time, cheap insurance as it get's acidic.
5. If you don't plan on running it for a while then do this:
when you park it, close off the fuel supply and pour in a mixture of two cycle oil and gas maybe 25:1 or so speed up the engine while you do it until it quits. The plugs will be fouled but everything should get a thin film of oil.
And/or
6. Cap off the carb with a plastic bag, plug the exhaust with socks rolled up.
This prevents air from going in and out of the cylinders with open valves.
7. Stick some dryer sheets or moth balls here and there as a mouse deterrent, even under the hood.

Nice car.

 

[oldbee]

Unhook your 2gal tank & run carb dry. If you want to restart in winter, hookup can,start & run carb dry again. Fillneck can be a winter project!!!!!!

 

[firstgenfan66!]

Here are my suggestions, I've been doing this for many years...

1. Definitely check the coolant concentration.
2. If you can get ethanol free gas in it, it will last better and have less corrosion in the fuel system. Add Stabil if it's going to sit more than 6 months.
3. Before I put mine to bed I run it for a good while, on the road get it good and hot
and dry out the exhaust.
4. You should change the oil if it's not been changed in a long time, cheap insurance as it get's acidic.
5. If you don't plan on running it for a while then do this:
when you park it, close off the fuel supply and pour in a mixture of two cycle oil and gas maybe 25:1 or so speed up the engine while you do it until it quits. The plugs will be fouled but everything should get a thin film of oil.
And/or
6. Cap off the carb with a plastic bag, plug the exhaust with socks rolled up.
This prevents air from going in and out of the cylinders with open valves.
7. Stick some dryer sheets or moth balls here and there as a mouse deterrent, even under the hood.

Nice car.

Awesome thanks! Have any suggestions on the pipe down to the gas tank at all? It's a new tank but missing the connection from there to where you go and fill it up at.

Even though it will be sitting until April or so would you change the oil before winter or wait till spring?

 

[oldbee]

Oil does get acidic when sitting but I question changing it now && the spring. If you are just going to run(no load) for winter then save some money& do it in spring.