Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

[Larry E.]

Have a C2 B/B Corvette stored now. All pre-storage work was done. Car is in a Omni Bag. I do unzip the bag now and then to check
tire pressure. Gas is Av-Gas so "old gas" is not a problem. Car has not been started in two years. As long as I not going to put the car in service till next Summer or later; does it make sense to start it now and then put right back in the bag. (With moisture pellets) Comments? I did a "search" and seems to be a lot of "pro's and con's"
Thanks in advance. Larry P.S. We all know the saying of:"Leave Sleeping Dogs Lie"

[Keith B.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

Not until your ready to drive it 10 or so miles

[Frank D.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

Not until your ready to drive it 10 or so miles

Good answer...

[Edward B.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

10 miles is far better than nothing and is certainly a step in the right direction, but I question if it would be long enough to boil the condensation out of the exhaust system. I would suggest a longer drive of 25 -30 miles (my preferred route to the end of LI and back is 36 miles).

[Terry D.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

Agree with Edward, if you feel the need to start it, take it out and drive it for 25 miles or just leave it till your ready to take it out of storage. Running cars at museums are not started.

[Duke W.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

It's been well documented over the years that about 80 percent of typical internal engine wear occurs during cold start and warmup. So a properly stored car should not be started until you are ready to drive it.

The key is "properly stored". For short term storage the engine should have fresh oil, the fuel tank should be filled to capacity, and the brake fluid and antifreeze should not expire during the storage period.

For long term to indefinite, say over three to five years, drain and dry the fuel and cooling systems, and change the brake fluid (except silicone type) prior to storage.

Duke

[Gary R.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

I only store my cars for about 3 months. Dec - end March or so. I top off the gas and put a battery tender on it. I have a nice car cover and keep it in a plain garage. I may try to pump the brakes a few times over the period. I like to change the oil when I start the car up in the spring. I keep mice/rat bait stations around the car too. I should bleed the brakes in the Spring too but I don't always have the time.

[Gene M.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

I've had friends put their Corvette in a "bag", when they take it out in spring the whole car smells like gasoline. I'd be afraid of having that big explosive bomb in my garage. I just keep my cars as even temperature as possible and dry just a breathable loose fitting flannel lined cover. I feel a good air exchange is necessary but starting not so much.

[Leif A.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

Larry,
I agree with the proponents of not starting it until you're ready to take it out of storage and start driving it on a more regular basis...and, the first drive should be over 30 miles. Expect (after having it stored for two years) to have multiple minor fluid leaks. The seals and gaskets tend to dry up and crack over time. Nothing seems to keep that from happening except the regular use and driving of these old cars.

[Mark E.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

Why is old aviation gas not a problem? Doesn't it absorb water, create varnish and rust, and go bad like other gas?

Larry, I don't understand the preservation strategy of storing nice cars for long periods of time without driving or even starting. Doesn't this do more harm than good? Isn't it better for the car to start and drive it until completely warmed up every few weeks? Problems this avoids:

- Dried out seals in the engine, AC, power steering, brake calipers, transmission, rear end, ...
- Damaging dry starts (or the hassle of priming the engine first)
- Fuel system damage from varnish and rust (or the hassle of draining the fuel system)
- Mouse habitat surprises
- Buying expensive car tents and other storage stuff.

Conversely, what's the advantage of not starting the car for long periods? Yes, most engine wear occurs during start-up and warm-up. But which causes more damage- a cold start every few weeks while the oil still coats the cylinder walls, valve train, and seals, or a completely dry start once every year or two which may wipe out a cam lobe and chew up a dry seal?

[Michael W.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

Why is old aviation gas not a problem? Doesn't it absorb water, create varnish and rust, and go bad like other gas? Yes, most engine wear occurs during start-up and warm-up. But which causes more damage- a cold start every few weeks while the oil still coats the cylinder walls, valve train, and seals, or a completely dry start once every year or two which may wipe out a cam lobe and chew up a dry seal?

I have multiple examples of first handed evidence that engine do NOT go dry while in storage. There's as much residual oil clinging to metal surfaces after many years of storage as there is after just a few hours of rest.

Seals dry up and go bad by age, not lack of use. The clock does not stop when a car is in storage.

You do have a point about relying on Avgas as being problem free for extended periods of storage. Contrary to popular opinions, there no reason to think that it has significantly better shelf life than other types. Letting any type of fuel sit in a carb bowl for several years is asking for trouble.

I also have my doubts about the value of car bags. They do nothing about regulating or reducing humidity. Corrosion is probably the biggest worry during storage- not many people have climate controlled garages.

[Mark E.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

I have multiple examples of first handed evidence that engine do NOT go dry while in storage. There's as much residual oil clinging to metal surfaces after many years of storage as there is after just a few hours of rest. Seals dry up and go bad by age, not lack of use.

I don't know, Mike. Maybe I need more convincing about that. My current Corvette was in storage for over a decade with the engine sealed. Before this, the engine had about 6,000 miles on an overhaul, and ran great with no leaks. When restarted (after careful preparation and priming), it still ran great with no apparent harm done... other than the rear main seal. It leaked about one drop of oil every 30 seconds.

This is only a single example, but years ago I had a conversation with a Fel-Pro representative about the causes of oil seal leaks. He said that oil swells seals a bit and helps keep them soft and conditioned. Without a regular oil bath, oil seals become dry and harden causing a leak around the rotating crank shaft. Also, when the engine is not running, the crank shaft will sit down on the bearing surfaces they ride in. This very small movement stretches the rear main seal opening just slightly, but if left for a long time, can permanently deform the main seal causing a leak around the crank shaft.

I think the story is similar for seals in transmissions, AC systems.

[Alan D.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

My car sat for 27 years before I needed to start, move to new house. All I did was run the oil pump (via a long rod), added some new gas and tried to start a few seconds at a time (not to over heat starter) - once the fuel bowls filled again it was running.
(also new oil, old gas had been treated with Sta Bil however most was drained and replaced.)

[Mark E.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

27 years!?! What's the story behind that?

Which seals leaked?

[Alan D.]

Re: Current thoughts on how often a stored Corvette should be started?

School, work, life, . . and so forth however lucky for me now since it's 90% original.
No leaks - do have a small oil leak (think from pan) however that was replaced in 2001 for NCRS judging.
The whole thing is probably classified as dumb luck.