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Winter storage fuel choice?

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Old 10-09-2018, 08:29 AM
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dbk123
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Default Winter storage fuel choice?

Hate to say it, but it's time to start thinking about winter here in Northern New England. I am trying to decide between filling with 93 Octane Shell gas (10% ethanol) and adding fuel treatment or using 91 Ethanol-free for winter storage. I am leaning toward to Ethanol free, but would appreciate hearing everyone's thoughts. Also, assuming I use ethanol free fuel, should I still add some sort of stabilizer? If so, what type?

Thanks!

-dbk123
Old 10-09-2018, 08:49 AM
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LexVan
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Either is fine.

Use 1 ounce red StaBil per 2.5 gallons fuel.

Don't start it till spring.
Old 10-09-2018, 09:34 AM
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STG
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Between the two I would pick ethanol free. Can still add stabilizer to it.

Battery tender and as stated, don't start it.
Old 10-09-2018, 09:42 AM
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Guards_Red_991
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Why wouldn't you want to start it???? Need to keep the oil pump charged, otherwise say hello to cylinder scoring.
Old 10-09-2018, 09:50 AM
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Nm2far
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Originally Posted by Guards_Red_991
Why wouldn't you want to start it???? Need to keep the oil pump charged, otherwise say hello to cylinder scoring.
I'll let the engineers and oil experts weigh in but the main reason is unless you get the engine up to full operating temperature you introduce moisture, a normal part of the combustion process into the crankcase that will not "cook" off at lower than normal operating temperatures. The real discussion is how long at normal temps is required. Additionally I'm not sure what the residual cling properties are with a 0-30W synthetic, but I would imagine it would be an issue after a week that these cars often sit, let alone the winter.
Old 10-09-2018, 10:11 AM
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LexVan
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Originally Posted by Guards_Red_991
Need to keep the oil pump charged, otherwise say hello to cylinder scoring.
That's not the cause of scoring on the 9A1 motor. Show me links to scoring on the 9A1 motors, please? Lastly, we have more than one oil pump.

Originally Posted by Nm2far
Additionally I'm not sure what the residual cling properties are with a 0-30W synthetic, but I would imagine it would be an issue after a week that these cars often sit, let alone the winter.
This is NOT even an A40 approved oil for our cars.
Old 10-09-2018, 10:28 AM
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Nm2far
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Originally Posted by LexVan
That's not the cause of scoring on the 9A1 motor. Show me links to scoring on the 9A1 motors, please? Lastly, we have more than one oil pump.



This is NOT even an A40 approved oil for our cars.
Easy there big fella, was going from memory. 0-40W
Old 10-09-2018, 10:47 AM
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Guards_Red_991
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Originally Posted by LexVan
That's not the cause of scoring on the 9A1 motor. Show me links to scoring on the 9A1 motors, please? Lastly, we have more than one oil pump.



This is NOT even an A40 approved oil for our cars.
I assume 9A1 = MA1 motor, not sure. I have none... But I'm not going to risk it. It is very easy to start the car and let it idle while I shovel the driveway and clean the daily driver. Even during dry weather I take it out around the block.

Why would you let your car sit all winter long without starting it? What am I missing?
Old 10-09-2018, 11:11 AM
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CSK 911 C4S
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These discussions usually go south pretty quick (just like oil discussions) since there are so many products on the market....... but what fuel stabilizer is everyone turning to now days?

For my marine applications I've switched over to Star Brite Star Tron products this year ..... and going to start using it also in my small engines and cars that get driven infrequently.

Anyone else?
Old 10-09-2018, 11:22 AM
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worf928
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What LexVan wrote.
- add fuel stabilizer (StaBil, StarTron, etc.)
- pump tires +10 PSI (but not more than max pressure listed on sidewall)
- hook up battery tender

You will not score cylinder walls if you let the car sit all winter.

You might score cylinder walls regardless of your winter storage (or not) procedure if you don’t thoroughly warm you engine before putting load or high rpm on it. https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...1-engines.html
Old 10-09-2018, 12:20 PM
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This time of year I will start filling up with non-ethanol fuel to get all of the alcohol out of the fuel system before storage. The last couple of tanks I add Seafoam as a stabilizer. This has worked well for many years. If you have access to “pure premium”, take advantage of it.
Old 10-09-2018, 12:33 PM
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Dan Nagy
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I've stored past cars for the winter, but I just can't stay out of this one for that long. On nice days I take an afternoon off and exercise the car.
Old 10-09-2018, 12:48 PM
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Valvefloat991
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Originally Posted by Guards_Red_991
I assume 9A1 = MA1 motor, not sure. I have none... But I'm not going to risk it. It is very easy to start the car and let it idle while I shovel the driveway and clean the daily driver. Even during dry weather I take it out around the block.

Why would you let your car sit all winter long without starting it? What am I missing?
You're not going to get the oil warm by idling the car and driving it around the block. I drive my 991.2 through the winter and there are times--and not on super cold days--when ten miles at 60 mph doesn't get the oil into the 180s.
Old 10-09-2018, 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Valvefloat991
You're not going to get the oil warm by idling the car and driving it around the block. I drive my 991.2 through the winter and there are times--and not on super cold days--when ten miles at 60 mph doesn't get the oil into the 180s.
I rev it up to get the coolant to 194 and oil over 200. I want to make sure any potential moisture is burnt out and internals keep lubricated.
Old 10-09-2018, 02:26 PM
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Penn4S
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Been storing Porsches for over 20 years. I do an oil change, inflate the tires to 50-55lbs, sit it on wheel cradles, fill the tank, add fuel stabilizer, plug her in and start her in the spring. Never had a motor failure or any other issue.


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