They say it's good to take the load off the tires, i.e. jack stands on each
corner.
I would strongly suggest do something with the fuel- either drain the tank
completely empty or use a generous amount of fuel stabilizer.
Also, right now replace the brake fluid and clutch hydro fluid if
applicable.
Put the battery on a trickle charger or just plan on buying a new one when
you get back.

My personal experience with storing cars for more than one year has resulted
in seized fuel pumps, rusted/cruddy gas tanks, clogged injectors, leaking
wheel cylinders, pitted master cylinders, etc...

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Costello, James L
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 11:21 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Long term Storage advice?

Hi Volks,

So, exciting and all, I am moving overseas for 18 months, and the
airline told me that I can't take my Westie on Carryon.  As such, I need
to store it, and I need some expert advice.

Here's the situation:

I am in Canada, and it will be stored outside (I know, but I had to rent
the garage), so the weather will vary from +90 Fahrenheit to -30 each
year, so there is definite freezing issues.  It will be probably tarped
up, maybe putting some sort of sheet over it first to protect what is
left of the paint...  I should be able to come home and start and run it
every 4 months or so, but that's a best case scenario, so probably more
like 6 month intervals, especially through the coldest parts of winter
when it won't start anyways.

Here's my questions:

1.  Rust stop... it's rusting in places (obviously)... any advice to
protect it?  I will be painting it upon my return, so protecting from
rust-throughs would be nice
2.  Engine prep - what should I do here?  Drain gas?  Heavier/lighter
oil?  I have no idea
3.  Batteries probably go inside to heated house?
4.  Propane tank?
5.  Obviously drain water tank, but anything else I should do?

THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!!!

James Costello
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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