Miata Mailing List: June 1994, Message #172
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   From: meek@me.mech.utah.edu
Subject: Re: winter storage
   Date: Wed, 8 Jun 1994 15:48:55 -0400

>When you store your Miata for the winter how often do you start er up? Also
>what should is the winter procedure.
>


I don't run mine at all during winter.  It's usually stored from early
November to early April.  I've never had a problem with it starting up in
spring.  I don not disconnect the battery as I do not have the Mazda radio
or anything that draws current when the ignition is off.  If you want to
keep the battery charged, as I will do in the future (remove the battery
from the car and take it inside), put a 13.8 volt constant voltage supply
on it.  The Miata uses a gel cell.  A 13.8 volt (never higher and do not
use a regular car battery charger) will maintain a gel cell almost
indefinately.  Just leave the battery connected all winter to the voltage
supply.
Fill the gas tank up all the way (top it off).  This keeps water from
condensing in the tank.  Note, topping up the tank is not a good thing to
do when driving.  Remove each plug, squirt some oil in the cylinders and
replace the plugs.  Cover the car, go home, and wax your skis.

Sandy

Sanford Meek
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
University of Utah
Amateur radio:  KB7YSQ
meek@me.mech.utah.edu