Do any of you guys shut off the fuel prior to winter storage on your mechanical fuel pump Oldsmobiles? I was thinking to shut off the fuel, then run the engine until it quits to evacuate the fuel from the carb. I want to preserve my fresh Q-jet rebuild without the insides getting all gummed up over the winter. I use Sta-bil in all my gas. Any suggestions?

 

If you use Sta-bil you should be fine. I start my Olds a few times each winter. There are always those unseasonably warm days from time to time.

 

Someone told me that an empty carb would allow the gaskets and accel. pump to dry out, which would be a bad thing. Also I hate to start the car only occasionally and NOT get it fully warmed up.

 

Well, you are really stuck between a rock and a hard place then...

I agree, letting a carburetor sit dry can be bad for the seals and gaskets. However, it can be just as bad to let the fuel sit in the bowl and turn into varnish.

I still think the best bet is to use Sta-bil and start the car as often as you can (at least once a week). If you are this concerned about your car then I am sure you park it in a garage. All you have to do is raise the garage door, start the car, and let it idle for 15 minutes. This is more than enough to get the engine warm.

 

You would not have to run it that long depending if you have a heated garage or not. Mine is in a heated garage and only run it 2-3 minutes on high idle to get warm. you would have to run it a little longer in an unheated garge though. using a fuel stabalizer is a good idea and I would not let the carb dry out unless you can find something to add to the carb that would prevent gaskets and seals drying out.?