draining the radiator?

Unknown

I'm deploying for a year and wondering what's best to do with the radiator?



Should I drain it or leave it sit?

rambos_ride

I'd leave it in, anti-freeze will keep it from corroding. Just test the strength of the mix so you're protected if it freezes.

It is good to block the car up to get the weight off the tires, so they don't get flat spots or if they lose air.

If you want you can drop your car off with me and that way I can drive it while your gone :D

RL Chilton

I agree with the advice already given, with the addition of disconnecting your battery. Jack it up, leave the anti-freeze in, and at least add Sta-bil to your gas tank. Another good thing to do is to clamp off or temporarily disconnect the gas tank, and run it until it quits. That way no future "old" gas is in the carbs or pump.

hudsonguy

I also agree with the good advice given so far on this thread. When storing a car for an extended period, it's also good to give your internal engine parts a coat of protection. I use the Walt M. method of pouring a little Marvel Mystery Oil down the throat of the carburetor while it's running , so that it starts smoking like a locomotive, and then quickly shut it off. I usually pull the coil wire. You have to give it some throttle to keep it running, because that first dose of oil will want to bog the engine.



I've also found that Irish Spring bar soap works as well as moth balls to try to keep the mice away from the interior, and it smells a heck of a lot better. I just get a dozen bars, and open the boxes up and lay them all over the carpet, seats, etc.



Most importantly, thank you for your service to our country. God Bless.

48super6

Great advice from all. I'd definitely disconnect the battery. The antifreeze should be left in- unless you know its very old. Antifreeze can become acidic as it ages (especially with a worn engine), in which case I'd change the fluid. Similarly, make sure your oil is fairly fresh, if not change it. The acid in dirty oil will start to pit metal parts and bearings. If you're up on your maintenance you'll be fine.

Also, I hear that by blocking the clutch down with a piece of wood you eliminate the risk of the clutch becoming stuck (though I don't know if there's any issue with the springs being compressed for such a long period- I assume they'd be ok.)

Thank you for your service to our country.

Good luck and keep safe.

God Bless.

[Deleted User]

48super6 wrote:

Great advice from all. I'd definitely disconnect the battery. The antifreeze should be left in- unless you know its very old. Antifreeze can become acidic as it ages (especially with a worn engine), in which case I'd change the fluid. Similarly, make sure your oil is fairly fresh, if not change it. The acid in dirty oil will start to pit metal parts and bearings. If you're up on your maintenance you'll be fine.

Also, I hear that by blocking the clutch down with a piece of wood you eliminate the risk of the clutch becoming stuck (though I don't know if there's any issue with the springs being compressed for such a long period- I assume they'd be ok.)

Thank you for your service to our country.

Good luck and keep safe.

God Bless.

One thing I like to do is to run a fan and keep air in circulation beneath the car at all times. I have done this for some time on both of my Hudsons, for it keeps moisture coming up from the concrete floor (especially noticeable in the winter) from accumulating on the underside of the car. Another plus is that I have never had any spiders building nests and depositing egg sacs either after I started using the fans. That was a problem that used to give me fits! Dee K.

Unknown

Set it on blocks to avoid flat spots ----Fresh 50/50 antifreeze----DO NOT DRAIN THAT GAS TANK---healthy dose of Stabil and FILL-ER-UP , run untill your sure it has got Stabil in the carb---Drown it out with Marvel mystery oil thru the carb . When you get back it'll be ready to boogie .

[Deleted User]

hudsonnut:

Sounds like good advice. Thank you for your service to our country. We will remember you and your family in our prayers and hope for your safe return. Let us know when you do return and if you have access to the internet, check in with us from time to time. I served 66-70 plus 19 guard. Good luck, Bob

ESSX28-1

All good advise above but I'd also use a "Battery Stabilizer" putting out about 250mA to prolong the battery life (if the car will be near a power source)

[Deleted User]

Hudson308 wrote:

Yeah, what he said!

It all depends on how old/strong your current antifreeze mix is, and what part of the country you live in. If the mix is a few years old and the car's gonna sit up nort' der, you'll want to drain and fill with fresh 50-50.

There are two different viewpoints on draining the gas tank. Some would tell you that keeping the tank full will help keep internal condensation to a minimum. Others would tell you that burning that old fuel the next year (or two) can make the car run poorly and gum the carb up. It's a horse apiece in my opinion.

Blocking the car up off the ground accomplishes a few things. It keeps the tires from developing flat spots as Dan said, and also allows air to circulate under the car so moisture doesn't build up on the underside of the car.



May God bless you and protect you and yours as you go to serve our country. :cool:

Put a couple of cans of STA-BIL in the gas tank and rock it back and forth to mix the gas. Then start engine to draw it through the lines and carburetor and you will not have any problems here. Walt.