starviper

This is a synopsis from the tech forum but it is also Canada related so I posted here too.

1) 1st winter with the 8. I put my WB GT 6sp in the garage at the start of Dec. Had been busy messing about with the problematic Volks. Thus, she sat there for about two weeks.

The other day I went out to start the 8 up. It started on the first crank, seemed a little rougher which I attributed to the cold (it was a little below freezing outside). It idled for about 3 secs until I released the clutch, then she stalled. Cranked again, then it would not turn over - just the starter motor turning (sounded like). Tried the flooded start procedure from the manual - Nothing!

Now, I have always followed the manual's instructions on driving/maintaining this car. The dealer's more cautious instructions were to always let it idle 30 secs before driving and 30 secs before shutting off. Also, never let it run for less than 5 mins.

When I moved it into the garage I followed these directions, although moving it from the driveway to the garage hardly gets the RPMs up.

I've been told it could be gas freeze up. Also, to try IsoHeet with a full tank and to start/drive it every couple of days. Starting/Driving every other day is not an option due to Canadian weather conditions. The RX-8 is my 3 season car (I'm not exposing her to salt and winter road debris!)Are there any other tips? I'd rather NOT have it towed!

2)This brings up another issue of Winter Storage.

What needs to be done to ensure she has an easy winter in the garage? I have axel stands (not currently in use), have heard I should bring the batt inside, vaseline the chrome bits (exhaust) and stuff any potential "mouse refuges" with rags. Any tips would be most appreciated!

scoop

Well the car stalled bacause the oil in the tranny is very thick because of the cold, it causes huge drag. My Audi did that exact same thing this morning, I couldn't let the clutch out for a minute or two after starting but we didn't get above -27 today . . . I would say that your 8 is flooded because of the stall before it had properly warmed up. The battery may be very weak causing the starter to not engage. I would put a battery charger on it to get it well charged up, wait for a warmer day and do the pedal to the floor flood clearing proceedure again. Failing that I guess you could have the road side assistance people deal with it or flat bed it to the dealer and back. I personally have never had a gas line freeze up on any car, just keep lots of gas in the tank to avoid condensation in winter and it shouldn't be a problem.

The only things I have done to my car for storage are fill the tank with as much gas as I could stuff in. Pulled the battery and brought it inside, I also charge it up now and then. Thoroughly waxed the exterior. Boosted the tire pressure to about 39 PSI. Opened all windows and the moon roof about 1/4" or so for some air flow. No cover, no Vaseline, no mouse stuffing and no fuel stabilizer . . . I don't think a mouse will want to move into my frozen car at this point, the warmth of a house maybe. The gas should be fine for 3-4 months, I only use stabilizer in my snowblower which sits unused for 8-9 months.

I really don't think it's good to unweight the suspension by raising the car on jack stands. I have heard of issues like suspension sag and bearing damage stated in the past. I don't buy them, the suspension was designed to support the cars weight. Placing a car on four jack stands is also a scary proposition, I did that once for some repairs on an old MG, not anxious to repeat that . . .

halfon

I did the same thing. The car is on jacks but there is still some weight on the tires. The battery is inside the house. The windows are closed. Too late to open them now. I have a cover on. The car is in a garage where other cars go in and out daily. No mice around. I have added some gas stabilizer from Canadian Tire.