Winter storage and draining systems

[aevansgatech]

Basic question here, but if I plan to replace most soft lines (fuel, vacuum, brake reservoir) is it ok to leave all those systems drained for several months on end?

I would need to drain the fuel system to replace all lines including the ones connected to the tank
I would need to drain the cooling system to put in a new heater core valve and stainless pipe
I would need to drain the brakes to freshen up the calipers and replace lines to the master cylinder

The only one I'm really concerned about is leaving the motor without oil for say a month. Anything else I should worry about?

[Jon124]

Don't drain things for storage, everything should be topped up to prevent corrosion. When I bought my fiat it had been sitting for 3 years with half a tank of gas. It ran good until the first time I filled it up. After this it suddenly had problems of the engine cutting out, and then the fuel pump went. I looked inside the tank and only the top half was covered in suface rust and this was plugging everything up. I put in a new pump and a pre filter, hoping things would clear up. To keep it running I had to frequently change the pre filter. In the end I had to replace the tank because there was no easy way to salvage it.

[klweimer]

If you're draining systems to replace stuff, I don't see any issue with leaving them dry for a few months. If mothballing for the winter, that's a different story.
Kirk

[KevAndAndi]

Don't drain things for storage, everything should be topped up to prevent corrosion. When I bought my fiat it had been sitting for 3 years with half a tank of gas. It ran good until the first time I filled it up. After this it suddenly had problems of the engine cutting out, and then the fuel pump went. I looked inside the tank and only the top half was covered in suface rust and this was plugging everything up. I put in a new pump and a pre filter, hoping things would clear up. To keep it running I had to frequently change the pre filter. In the end I had to replace the tank because there was no easy way to salvage it.

This is why I always try to keep the tank full. I keep gas cans in the garage in order to top it up after a drive.

[aevansgatech]

Thanks guys, I guess I need to do things somewhat in order instead of draining everything and taking it slow. That way, I'll only have one empty system for a short time before filling it back up.