dlq04 - why reverse?

 

probably to keep tension off of the synchros and keep car in gear to prevent rolling too.

 

Ok... There seems to be a whole lot of opinions on how to store the car for the winter. Personally, I like to follow the directions from the people who designed and built the thing! In case "dlq04"'s post didn't motivate you to look it up , the following steps are quoted directly from the Honda S2000 Owner's Manual (p.202 US) :

If you need to park your car for an extended period (more than one month), there are several things you should do to prepare for its storage. Proper preperation helps prevent deterioration and makes it easier to get your car back on the road. If possible, store your car indoors.

-Fill the fuel tank
-Change the engine oil and filter
-Wash and dry the exterior completely
-Clean the interior. Make sure the carpeting, floor mats, etc. are completely dry
-Raise the convertible top cover
-Leave the parking break off. Put the transmission in reverse
-Block the rear wheels
-If the car is to be stored for a longer period, it should be supported on jack stands so the tires are off the ground
-Leave one window open slightly (if the car is being stored indoors)
-Disconnect the battery
-Support the front wiper blade arms with a towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield
-To minimize sticking, apply a silicon spray lubricant to all door and trunk seals. Also, apply a vehicle body wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door and trunk seals
-Cover the car with a "breathable" cover, one made from a porous material such as cotton. Nonporous materials, such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture, which can damage paint
-If possible, run the engine for a while periodically (preferably once a month)

Hope this helps...

 

I'm not sure.

Before the days of automatic transmissions manufacturers used to recommend parking in reverse. Reverse is the lowest gear and it would keep the car from rolling; but if the wheels are off, how far can that be?

I've rebuilt a couple manual transmissions, so I have shade tree mechanics concept of them.

I asked a fellow shade tree mechanic who has rebuilt a lot more and here's his reply: My best guess is that reverse is not synchro. Putting it in any other gear would put pressure on the baulk ring and would slowly squeeze the MTL out, creating a dry surface. Upon startup this dry surface could be damaged before Lube works it's way back in. Pretty clever these japanese.

We may have to ask Woodwork, a Honda engineer and gearbox expert, who visits the site from time to time.

 

dlq04 - hey thanks!
Today is 70+ degrees with a few clouds and lots of sun. I took a 1/2 day today from work so I could put both the Nighthawk and the CRX-Si away for their winter nap. I will be sure to put the CRX-Si in reverse this year.

 

Before you disconnect the battery, you may wish to first write down your favoriate radio stations.

When you disconnect the battery your car

 

be careful of mice - one chewed through my air filter last winter, so I just HAD to buy a new (Comptech) one

my $.02

 

BTW, I asked Woodwork why Honda recommended putting it in reverse for storage. The only reason he could think of was to keep it from rolling since you don't want to store it with the emergency brake on. Thus, neutral is fine when storing on jack stands for a long period.

It's Nov. 15 and 65 degrees in MI. . . top down weather still, who would have quessed that.

 

dlq04 - Thanks for the Woodwork insight! As I just pump up the tires and don't put it on jack stands I will at least try to remember reverse this year. But if things keep going the way they are I'll be driving the CRX-Si in December, it is beautiful - 50+ degrees in Upstate New York, WOW!

 

I've not put mine away yet, but it is coming soon since I remove all my ins. coverage Dec 3 (except comprehensive).

Jack stands are the way to go, IMHO since it gives you the ability to get underneath and clean the car real good. You also get to clean the wheels. And the car can be in neutral!