Spark Plugs; Storage (Preparing For And Removing From) - Carburetion & Turbo Systems Vortec 5700 Operation And Maintenance Manual

(Spark Plugs continued)
If there are dark gray or sooty black deposits, your engine is running rich and you are burning
excess fuel. The optimum color of the deposits on the porcelain is light tan or light brown. This
shows optimum fuel mixture and proper engine running conditions. If the deposits are almost
white, the engine may be running excessively lean. Lean running is very detrimental to your
engine life and should be corrected immediately. If one or more cylinders are burning oil, the
smoke from the engine will be a blue-gray color. Most common causes are worn out piston rings
or rings that are not broken in, or cut, nicked or worn out valve stem seals. If the engine is
running rich, the exhaust smoke will be a sooty black color.
STORAGE
One to Six Months:, If the engine or machine is to be placed in storage for a period of one to six
months, it is recommended that the following steps be followed:
Add a fuel conditioner such as "Stabil" or equivalent to the fuel tank as
recommended on the bottle. Run the engine for approximately 10 to 15 minutes
to insure that the treated fuel is completely through the fuel system
Fill the tank with fuel
Protect the air cleaner inlet from water entry
Check the coolant protection and top off radiator
Store indoors if possible
For Extended Periods: Follow the above recommended procedures, plus do the following:
Drain the engine crankcase and refill with recommended oil
Change the oil filter
Disconnect and remove the battery
Clean exterior surface of the engine
Removing the Engine from Extended Storage:
Install a fully charged battery
Remove all protective coverings from the air inlet, air cleaner, exhaust and
muffler openings
Check the coolant level in the radiator and verify the protection level of the
coolant
Start the engine and allow it to run at slow idle, verify engine oil pressure
Run the engine at idle until the coolant temperature approaches 120 degrees F
(49 degrees C)
Shut the engine down, drain the oil, change the oil filter and refill with the
recommended grade of oil