Here’s what I’d suggest for long-term storage of a Pagoda. It’s a lot of work, actually, and some it may be overkill. I’m assuming the engine will not be started while the car is in storage.
-Just before beginning storage, have the chassis greased, the oil changed, the brake and clutch fluid flushed out and replaced with new, and the cooling system flushed and fresh coolant installed.
-Have the fuel lines at the rear of the car inspected and replaced if they are questionable.
-Wash and wax the car.
-The car should be stored with one of the tops on and windows rolled up. Soft top up might be best. Close the fresh air vent to keep critters out. Some people like to keep an open container of moth balls in the car, it repells rodents and other pests.
-Just before storage, add enough 2-cycle motor oil to the fuel to get a 50:1 mix and completely fill the tank. Then go for a 30 minute drive and then park the car in the storage spot. The 2-cycle motor oil is to lubricate and help preserve the injection pump seals. The drive is to get the engine hot and boil out any moisture in the oil. Don’t start it again after parking it.
-Add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel after it has been parked. The fuel may not be good after 2 years, but the tank should be full during storage to prevent rusting. This is why you want good fuel lines, too. If one should leak, the tank will drain itself.
-Remove the battery and store it; it will probably have to be replaced when the car comes out of storage. You can try to keep it charged up, but it may be more bother than it’s worth.
-When the engine and exhaust are cool, plug the exhaust pipes. I’d first wrap the pipes with plastic, then wrap aluminum foil over the plastic. Don’t let the aluminum foil touch the pipes, contact between dissimilar metals might cause some corrosion.
-Remove the short flexible pipe from the air filter to the intake manifold and plug the air intake, similar to exhaust pipes. Also plug the air filter outlet. Put the flexible pipe in a plastic bag and put it in the trunk.
-Remove each spark plug and squirt some motor oil into each cylinder. Coat the spark plug threads with an anti-sieze compound and reinstall, and reconnect the wires.
-In my opinion, the car should be stored with the suspension loaded. Either leave it on the ground and check the tire inflation periodically, or put it on jack stands in such a way that the springs are compressed. I would not let the rear axle droop, at the very least. If the car is left sitting on the tires, they may develop flat spots, but you may want to install new tires when it comes out of storage anyway.
-The hand brake should be left off. If the car is sitting on the tires, use blocks to keep it from moving.
-A car cover will help keep the car clean. A soft, breathable fabric is probably best.
George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual