Thread: Driving with stablizers in the engine

Tweet

My car has been stored & trailered for most of it's existence, that's about to change . I need to get it to the shop to have all the fluids changed and the air conditioning rechargedalthough I don't ever plan on needing air, since it has t-tops ha ha! . There are stablizers in the fluids now...is it safe to drive it to the mechanic? Thanks as usual!!!

First thing I'd be concerned about is the brake fluid. Dot 3 or 4 brake fluid will absorb moisture, and if the brakes aren't used there's no heat to drive off some of that. In turn, the moisture causes rust in the system, particularly a problem with the caliper pistons. So a check of brake function should be first on your list, and then when in the shop a system flush if the calipers are working well. If corroded, then it's rebuild time.

As for the fuel, even with stabilizers added at the proper ratio, generally they don't recommend storing the fuel for more than 12-18 months. Sometimes you can get away with a few month's longer, depending on the original chemistry of the fuel components, but beyond 2 years is pushing your luck. Varnish forms and can clog not only filters, but carbs or injectors............and no, fresh fuel alone won't dissolve already formed deposits.

Cooling system is a bit more tolerant, but old ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) can become corrosive. Usually takes several years thought.

The trans and gear oils are less likely to be a problem if they weren't significantly contaminated when the car was put up for storage. Without the thermal cycles of operation they don't tend to inhale/exhale, thus not getting contaminated easily.

Yeah, that's a heck of a point...Do they make a automotive mechanics for Dummies book? LOL, I don't have a GEEZER in my neighborhood to tutor me... An my hubby...well, let's just say car fluids ain't his thing ha ha!!!

BOB...Great friggin POINT!!! Sheesh...I woulda' hopped in and thought I was really somethin' till I got to the first stopsign!!! I'll be sure an check that out...The guy I bought the car from told me it's had a 134? conversion on the cooling system and that the stablizers were added about 3 years ago.

Ahhhhhh...........134 would probably mean 134A refrigerant replacing the R12 in the air conditioning system, if it's got air.

Stabilizers in the cooling system (radiator etc.) would probably be fine since, again, it's thermal cycling that promotes degradation of the additives.

BTW, commontary on the trans and gear lube applies to engine oil too.