I have a question for you all. I am being stationed in Japan for 2 to 3 years and I can't take my truck. I have no one to watch it for that long and I have to put it into storage. I have two options, a regular storage or one that will start it every week and maintain the batteries and tires. If I put it in my storage I already have I save money on that, but what is the results once I get back. If I put it into my storage is there anything I should do besides unhook the batteries. Will the engine be damaged because of being in the storage for that long with out being started. I just spent 7 thousand on the engine to fix the 6.0 problems. What do I do? Recommendations anyone???????

Thanks for your inputs

Mano

 

One of the main concerns with storage is corrosion and gummy carbon in the turbo-charger. So when you return, you might have problems with sticking turbo vanes, and that can result in performance issues. But more importantly, you could overboost and blow head gaskets. Do you have a good dry covered storage area? If so, I think you would be fine with just storing it, and then when you return watching the boost closely, and it might mean pulling the turbo for a good cleaning. Which is not that big of a deal to do. It's only a big deal if you don't do it. I would be more concerned if you were going to park it outside under a weeping willow tree.

Other than that, just the normal stuff. Treat the fuel with a double dose of Diesel Kleen to keep the fuel stable. Change the oil immediately before you store it, to keep the acidity level low in the oil. Pull the batteries, and store them separately. Plan on new ones when you return.

If squirrels, mice, possums etc are a problem in your storage area, try placing some mothballs around the engine bay. Chewed up wiring is not something you ever want.

For 2-3 years, you probably want to get the tires off the concrete.

I think I would be more concerned with a stranger starting my truck regularly than I would be with just letting it sit.

 

Thanks for the reply, my storage unit is in Yuma AZ and it is a indoor unit. I have had another truck in that storage many time for 7 months at a time and had no issues. 2 to 3 years is a long time and I just want to make sure that the truck and engine will be ok when I get back. I'll keep the turbo cleaning in mind once I do get back.

Thanks again

 

No problem. And I can't think of a better place to store a vehicle than Yuma. It will stay nice and dry.

 

Agree 100% about inside storage. Also, put the truck up on jack stands and keep those tires off the ground. Don't want to have to clean the turbo, new batteries AND new tires.

 

Ya I know I just put new ProComp 37' tires on it, jack stands is a must...

Thanks

 

Ya I know I just put new ProComp 37' tires on it, jack stands is a must...

Thanks

 

Is there anything else I should do when I put it into storage, I am going to cover the truck as well with a cover and it will be on jacks.

I just hate putting it away for 3 years, and when I do pull it out I don't want any problems. I will take it strait to a shop to have it looked over and all the fluids changed.

Anything else I need to consider?

Thanks

 

I would actually get as much fuel out of the tank as possible. 2-3 years sitting would cause serious problems even with fuel treatment IMHO.

 

I agree, as little fuel as possible. I may even go as far as to say drain both filter bowls, and then add new fuel when you get to firing it up again. The rest was covered pretty well.

 

Thanks all for your inputs and advice, keep them coming I am writing this all down so I don't forget when the time comes to park the truck.

Thanks

 

use bounce or generic fabric softener used in the dryer. They work great @ keeping the mice out of the area you put them into, good luck...

 

I have stored several vehicles long term. Here is what I would do.

1. Before you drive it to the storage, have as little fuel initial as you can get away with, probably less than 1/8th tank.
2. Change oil and filter, both fuel filters.
3. One dose of diesel keen in the tank when you park it.
4. Remove batteries, probably can sit them there on a plank or take them to recycle. Dont leave inside storage compartment with your vehicle, acid is a problem in a closed space.
5. Leave normal air in tires, 65 psi or 70 at most.
6. Jack up front and rear and put frame on blocks. You want the suspension hanging in the air with both axles up in the air and tires off the ground no more than an inch. The blocking needs to be holding the FRAME holding the truck off the ground, in front of the front axle, in front of the rear, front and rear springs from bearing weight for this long storage period. They will be nice and strong when you get back. Your front end won't be softened front all that diesel engine weight for three years.
7. Bounce sheets in each air vent, top, bottom and beside windows. Also, one under front and rear seats, one hanging from visors, behind rear seats if you have em, underneath rear storage. This is a lot, but it's three years. You will want to drive with windows open when you get back but you will smell clean. This stops mice and bugs from making a home. [do NOT use mothballs inside the vihicle]
8. Moth ***** on the ground under vehicle, 2-3 mothballs on each tire on top in the tread, a few placed strategically outside the vehicle on the frame under the cab and box. I would also leave a few under the hood in a few places where they can site on metal and gas anymore wanting to eat your wiring harness.
9. This is optional, but I would add grease to all door and hood, tailgate hinges, and armor all the crap out of the door seals, hood seals, anywhere there is a seal. This stops the rubber from degrading and becoming brittle.
10. If there are any windows exposed to sunlight? Two sided painters tape cardboard to windshield, side and rear windows to keep sun out of interior. If you have leather, leather wipe all leather seats and materials. (glass interior will require much cleaning but it will stop it from cracking).

 

I am storing my f350 6.0 fro now nov7 till apr 7 or 8 of 2014..I have filled tank to top and added anti gel change oil and taken batteries out today and stored in basement..for this length of time will I have a problem with the turbo rusting or any other major problems ..I realized comp will relearn when I hook batteries back up in apr 2014 my main concern is TURO..and other major problems ..please give me your thoughts

 

I wouldn't trust any diesel fuel sitting for 3 years. JMHO.