1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Long Term Storage Prep

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Kiowaflier, Oct 8, 2018.

  1. Oct 8, 2018
    Kiowaflier

    Kiowaflier New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2012
    Messages:
    47
    Hi all,

    I’ll be moving to Germany soon for about three years. Unfortunately my Cj5 is staying behind, to be stored in my inlaws’ barn. What do I need to do to prep it for storage? I’m planning to put it on jack stands, drain the fuel, and remove the battery. What else should I do to protect the motor? It’ll be stored in Ohio, so even though it’s inside, I’m concerned about the effects of humidity on the motor. Are there any products I should spray into the cylinders? Special oil additives, etc? Should I drain the coolant or keep it full?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Oct 8, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    I would change the fluids, replace the brake fluid (remove fluid from master cylinder, fill with fresh, bleed about a cup of fluid at each wheel), run the carburetor dry. I'd think about rodents - cover the air cleaner opening, tail pipe and heater or fresh air vents. Supposedly cotton balls soaked in mint oil will repel rodents - it's even sold commercially. Amazon.com : RODENT SHERIFF - Ultra-Pure Mint Formula That Repels Mice, Racoons, Roaches, and More : Garden & Outdoor I read where someone suggested blankets over the seats - not sure what that's for.
     
  3. Oct 8, 2018
    AtomicYJ

    AtomicYJ Sponsor

    Rochester, WA
    Joined:
    May 12, 2015
    Messages:
    75
    You can coat the inside of the cylinders with oil through the spark plug holes than put the plugs back in. I did that to a SBC since I‘ve been away from home for a few years. I‘d also make sure there‘s no way any rodents can get in the jeep.
     
  4. Oct 8, 2018
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2011
    Messages:
    5,407
    I too would run it out of gas . change oil . change antifreeze . as tim said . biggest problem will be keeping the squatters out . plug every opening you can
    Germany . army deployment
     
  5. Oct 8, 2018
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2012
    Messages:
    3,784
    As others have mentioned.........I would plug everything off, run it out of fuel, and I would drain the coolant.....as I have seen many seepage issues with gaskets on long term stored motors at the heads where water can find its way back into the cylinder walls...........lots of good rust protectants on the market.....even WD-40 should work.....but shop around , spray in the cylinders and turn over slowly......do that several times. put the plugs back in. Also any exposed clean threads will have rust on it when you return.....spray a little WD on anything you may want to take off later.......On the carburetor , plan on rebuilding it when you return as the needle and seat will be toast. Also not a bad Idea to release the valve spring tension on the cylinder heads after you spray the cylinders down.

    And for rodents I like to keep them fed with some Rat or mice poison bars........At my other shop where I store a few cars , I put out several little green bars at different locations , that I watch and change on a regular basis throughout the year......sometimes the critters carry them off or just dine at the spot ..........in either case it will give your in-laws an Idea how well there controlling the population and these bars are cheap....the good news is I have no issues with the critters tearing up anything.........although you do have to perform a burial service once in a while!
     
    ojgrsoi likes this.
New Posts