Winter Cayman storage

[stealthn]

For those of us in winter places, what's everyone do for storing the Cayman? I am wondering whether to get a battery charger or just pull out the battery.

And yes I will use Stabl

Thanks in advance

Bob

[JFP in PA]

Normal prep: wash and clean car and interior, change oil and filter, fill gas tank and add Stabil, run for a bit to circulate, inflate tires a bit over normal, plug a battery maintainer (not a charger) into the lighter socket, lock car and set alarm, cover the car and let it sleep unmolested until the flowers are in bloom............

[stealthn]

thank, yes that's what I meant. What type are people using, I saw one at the dealer but the price was stupid.

So do you have to leave a window open to run the power?

Bob

[Alphaboy1]

Bob,

I purchased the Porsche branded maintainer that plugs into lighter socket. The passenger door on Boxsters and Caymans have an opening on the door molding to allow the cable to enter the cabin.
I actually start my car and get it to temperature every 3 weeks or so.

[derfo]

Originally Posted by stealthn

thank, yes that's what I meant. What type are people using, I saw one at the dealer but the price was stupid.

So do you have to leave a window open to run the power?

Bob

I purchased a CTEK charger. These have terminals that you can leave permanently fixed to the battery. When you connect up, the lead comes out under the front hood, no need for windows to be open. These chargers are designed to be left on the car for long periods. Mine was on from end of December to July. After that time I just took the cover off the car unhooked the charger and fired up, no problems at all.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Alphaboy1

Bob,

I actually start my car and get it to temperature every 3 weeks or so.

Bad idea; this actually allows acids to form in the oil, breaking it down and causing other issues. Put it to bed and let it sleep until spring........

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by derfo

I purchased a CTEK charger. These have terminals that you can leave permanently fixed to the battery. When you connect up, the lead comes out under the front hood, no need for windows to be open. These chargers are designed to be left on the car for long periods. Mine was on from end of December to July. After that time I just took the cover off the car unhooked the charger and fired up, no problems at all.

Ctek makes all kinds of adaptors, including one for the lighter socket, which make hook up or disconnect a snap. Ctek is also one of the few maintainers that has a battery desulfation step in every charger it makes.

[s_wilwerding]

I bought a $15 Dewalt trickle charger at Menards that works just fine.

[stealthn]

Just checked Ctek's site and they are only rated to -4F which isn't low enough. Battery Tender doesn't have their specs listed so I emailed them. Any others?

[JFP in PA]

I think the issue is that the battery charging profile is temperature dependent, meaning that any given charge cycle profile has both upper and lower temperature limits where the current level and duration become less effective (batteries also can actually freeze if they get cold enough). The electronics in the unit itself are also temperature limited as well and may not function properly outside the stated range.

But the question has to be are both your battery and the Ctek unit going to see long duration time frames below -4F? We see negative temps where my shop is, and the inside temps of some unheated garages in the area are actually in the 20-30F range when the outside air temp is -5F. In these situations, the Ctek unit works fine.

If both the battery and the Ctek are going to see prolonged temps below its operating range, it is time to pull the battery and the Ctek and move them inside so they both will be happy…………… Otherwise, you are going to need some more specialized maintainer for very cold use.

[Alphaboy1]

Hi JFP... I change my oil in the spring which is about every 1000 miles a year. Do you think it would be ok to continue this this and store car all winter without starting the car?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Alphaboy1

Hi JFP... I change my oil in the spring which is about every 1000 miles a year. Do you think it would be ok to continue this this and store car all winter without starting the car?

No, change the oil before putting the car away, and do not start it while stored (use a good quality maintainer). You will be fine.

[stealthn]

I store my 911 battery inside, but would prefer to leave the cayman one in. Battery Tender just responded with temps of -20 to 120, somI think I will go with them.


Bob

[Alphaboy1]

Guys...this is what I have been using. Works great here.

Porsche Dual Mode Battery Maintainer / Charger : Amazon.com : Automotive

[pharaohjb]

I went with the simpler and cheaper (and yet still overpriced) Porsche battery tender last year.

Porsche Battery Maintainer : Amazon.com : Automotive

I'm in the Minneapolis area, and no problems whatsoever with the cold temps.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by derfo

I purchased a CTEK charger...

Bob

They go on sale from time to time at half price at CDN Tire.

You can even go on line and set an alert for it and when it will go on sale you will get an E-mail the day(s) before the sale.

Last time, I sent my wife to pick me one as soon as the store opened.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

Bob

They go on sale from time to time at half price at CDN Tire....

CTEK 3300, $45 when its on sale:





•
Compact four-step, fully automatic charger for 12V batteries

•
Can be connected for months at a time - ideal for seasonal vehicles

•
Rain and splash-proof, can be used outdoors

•
Charges even drained batteries

•
Continues to work in cold temperatures

•
Maintenance pulse charging increases battery life and gives superb performance

•
Short circuit, reverse polarity protection and spark protection

•
Desulphation technology reverses effect of sulfation

•
Charges deep-cycle, lead-acid, AGM and gel cell batteries from 1.2Ah to 120Ah

•
Includes two different battery leads, one with clamps and one with eyelet terminals


Canadian Tire Warranty:

This product carries a 5 year exchange warranty redeemable at any Canadian Tire store.

[stealthn]

Battery Tender says to hook up negative to frame rails or engine block, not sheetmetal. Is it ok to connect the negative lead to the negative post?

[derfo]

Originally Posted by stealthn

Battery Tender says to hook up negative to frame rails or engine block, not sheetmetal. Is it ok to connect the negative lead to the negative post?

Yes, like I said in my first post on this thread, they give you terminals that can be left permanently on the battery until next time you hook up.

[77mgbv8]

anyone put their car up on jacks for winter storage?? i read in the owners manual that it's not a good idea............adverse effect on shocks. thanks