Well it fast approaching in the Inland Northwest...winter So since I've had this engine built up a bit, what would you suggest for a 4 mos sleep? Heard something about a blowoff valve or something like that sticking when cars are stored.

 

I store my car during winter too.
1. Add Stabil fuel stabilizer.
2. Increase tire pressure to 45 psi.
3. Use trickle charger overnight for 3x a week.
4. Start the car every 2 weeks and run engine for 20 minutes (various speeds mostly at idle and few seconds at 3000 rpm) to make sure all water condensation is expelled. I always open the oil cap after I turn off the engine and replace it once it cools off. I also run heater and A/c for few minutes to circulate fluids inside the core.
5. Give a good wash including under body and wax the exterior. I open doors and hatches to dry any trapped water.
6. Apply Meguiar's vinyl and rubber treatment to dash, door panels, rubber seals, and leather conditioner to seats.

 

Is there a downside to leaving the trickle on all the time?

 

A battery tender is what i'd go with... that's what some friends of mine do with their summer car (it's out of mind for the winter)

 

That's what I've got. What's the difference between that and a trickle charger?

 

I think the tender just has a bit more circuitry so that it doesn't overcharge the battery.

 

Mine is not Battery Tender brand but has also an overcharging protection. I've been doing this overnight charge @ 3 times a week to both my Mini and BMW and they are still with OEM battery 5 and 6 years and counting.