how to keep the Esprit in a garage for a long time?

[esprithk]

due to business arrangement, I will not be able to drive my Esprit for a while.

I have added a battery switch so I can disconnect the battery at will.

what other things I shall be aware to keep it in good condition?

NOTE: my esprit has just been overhauled. I will pick it up before Christmas. I am not happy that I won't be able to enjoy much of the car in 2007.

[Jussi]

My procedure for winter garage is:

Good wash and cleaning the interior (ditch all the CDs and other trash ).

Treat the leather.

Check that tyre-pressure is good (a bit more than usual don't make any harm).

Check all the fluids are ok.

Leave only some fuel in tank, enough to get to garage (usually I put new fuel to tank before I start the car on spring).

Take out the battery and charge it somewhere Christmas time.

Put the cover on the car.

Say goodbye

When I take the car back to street, I usually waxed it when first sights of spring appears

Change the oils/filters, check everything is ok.

My garage time is usually about 6months. No problems had been, alright there might be some smoke when I first start the car after long period, but when it's warmed there's no smoke anymore.

Edited December 7, 2006 by Jussi

[Kimbers]

I'm also told a full fuel tank is very important.....

Here at the dealership we totally remove the battery and place them elsewhere, as leaking/corroding batteries do not do your car any good. We spray all corrosionable material with light oil, grease up important moving parts and treat leather. Rubber hoses I am unsure about, maybe someone else can recommend a way to stop them perishing.

Of course if you are talking months you may not have to do all that, but you seem to point to nearly a year.

[jimmybondi]

Raise tyre pressure to 3 bar or put on axle stands.

move it from time to time, if possible. I use to start the engine for a few minutes with the a/c on to keep the a/c system seals lubed...

Trickle charger is always a good idea. Is the garage near your home?

[Paul93Lotus]

Leaving the car in place for over a year with the weight of the car on the tires could result in permanent deformation or "flat spots" on the tires. Good idea to place it on jack stands if you do not want to be stuck with a permanent vibration at speed. Garage queens are sometimes victims of this if you do not regularly move the vehicle so the tires rest at different spots.

[esprit22]

Leaving the car in place for over a year with the weight of the car on the tires could result in permanent deformation or "flat spots" on the tires. Good idea to place it on jack stands if you do not want to be stuck with a permanent vibration at speed. Garage queens are sometimes victims of this if you do not regularly move the vehicle so the tires rest at different spots.

Paul, what is a "garage queen"? ( or have you got Elton John in your garage)

[Dasar7]

I'm also told a full fuel tank is very important.....

Kimbers, why should you have a full tank of fuel?

[fflyingdog]

Kimbers, why should you have a full tank of fuel?

I think its to stop condensation forming and therefore stop water getting into the fuel, and also stop the tanks corroding from the inside out.

Nick S4s

[Kimbers]

Kimbers, why should you have a full tank of fuel?

I'm told, to avoid any corrosion etc of your tank. Though some models had upgrades I believe (lost touch with the spec on later models.

[Jussi]

I put only enough fuel to get to garage. Because when that fuel sits in tank 6months it's not good anymore. So I put fresh fuel when I take the car out of the garage, and no problems. I had some minor problems with my previous race-car, when it was in garage with full tank. When I took it out it didn't run so well, problem vanished with fresh fuel, and we couldn't find any other solution for that poor running.

Best thing to do might be to take all fuel out and refuel when taking the car out

[Paul93Lotus]

Paul, what is a "garage queen"? ( or have you got Elton John in your garage)

A "Garage Queen" is I guess an American expression for a car that never sees the light of day, is never driven, and is basically just a conversation piece to show off at parties "Look at what I have in my garage".

I imagine you could say that Elton John is a queen that owns a lot of garage queens.

I put only enough fuel to get to garage. Because when that fuel sits in tank 6months it's not good anymore. So I put fresh fuel when I take the car out of the garage, and no problems. I had some minor problems with my previous race-car, when it was in garage with full tank. When I took it out it didn't run so well, problem vanished with fresh fuel, and we couldn't find any other solution for that poor running.

Best thing to do might be to take all fuel out and refuel when taking the car out

They make a product over here called "Stabil" that is to be added into gasoline when the car is to be stored for long periods. I guess it keeps the gasoline from going sour, i.e. absorbing moisture,etc.

I am sure there is an equivalent sold in Europe and Asia too.

[Jussi]

Thanks Paul, I have seen that kind of stuff here also Although never tried it.

[esprithk]

thx for all the advices.

the garage is quite far from my home. (about 30KM)

and it's a public indoor parking lot, so I won't be able to have a "stand" to sit the car.

therefore, I think I will purchase a new set of tire after I get it out after one year.

however, I probably will take the car out for a drive every 30days or 45days, as long as I can arrange time to visit HK for a day or 2.

I will keep in mind that I won't fill up much fuel in the tank.

and I will remember to change the oil filter after one year.

thx for all the help