Hi all,

I need to store my truck for a year while I go overseas. Is there anything special I should do so that it will start and run when I get back? Should I disconnect the battery or put a charger on it? Should I do anything about the gas in the tank? What about the tires? It will be stored indoors in SoCal so it will not be in the cold weather or outside. Thanks

 

use or drain as much fuel as you can out of the tank.... also add a can of STABIL fuel stabilizer... to the tank. If you can drain the carburetor bowls, of all fuel, to prevent varnish build up. Remove all the spark plugs, and spray a shot or two of light oil, such as WD40 in each cylinder, re-install the spark plugs and wires... do the plugs one at a time so there is no confusion on the plug wire order. The coolant will be fine as is...

Before restarting after storage add new clean fuel to the tank, and remember it will take quite a bit of cranking at first to prime the carb bowls or bowl. always a good idea to do a fresh oil change just before the start up after storage, making sure to fill the new oil filter with fresh oil to help prevent a dry start up, or remove the dizzy , and prime the oil pump if you know how to do that... last point yes unhook the battery, but do not leave it on a charger for that long, as it will boil the water and acid mix right out of the Battery, better to just re-charge it the night before you start it after being in storage. Another thing when you get back be sure to check your brake fluid and gear oil levels before you drive the truck... Brakes are notorious for leaking as the seal's dry up after long storage periods. Others will have other hints that I may have forgotten.. the mind is gettin old...LOL

 

You might contact Number Dummy & get him to come by once a month and take it out on a 10 mile run. I think he is in SoCal.

He needs something to do too.




John

 

I would definately use some Stabil in the gas. I remember reading an article in one of the hot rod magazines years ago about prepping a vehicle for storage. They recommended using Stabil in the gas and filling the tank all the way up for 2 reasons. A full tank has little air in it and is less likely to have condensation form in the tank. This prevents water from getting in the gas (from condensation) and also prevents rust in the tank which can form above the level of the fuel in the tank. That seems to make sense. They also recommended a tablespoon of baking soda in the anti-freeze once a year to offset the acid that builds up in the coolant over time.

 

Back in my day I would fill the tank as mentioned to keep condensation out. But with today's (It's not all Gas) gas I don't know. A year is not all that long to store a rig. A good fuel additive or octain booster before starting is all I have ever used.

Changing the oil before starting is a good idea as well. Everything has settled into the pan and gets the most old oil out.

I also try and seal the engine from outside air. Like plastic over the carb and exhaust pipes and any vents and breathers.

I don't think I would use WD40 in the cylinders. It's made with water. I use ATF.

But for only a year or so and being in Socal it won't need much.

Do not store the battery on the ground or cement. Earth ground will drain it dead and it may not take a recharge.

 

Opinions,,,, they are like ,,, well ya'll know,, so I will add mine,,,
SEAFOAM full can in the full tank of gas, AND Lead additive,, the lead is what used to keep gas (when it was pretty and red and smelled good) from gumming up everything. You can also SEAFOAM the engine internally, by running a can into a vacuum line as the engine runs just suck enough in to make it run rough,, then when the can is almost gone,, shove the hose in all the way to make it die,, disconnect battery,, put on trickle charger,, or not,, close hood,, you could jack it up and let sit on 4 jackstands to keep your tires from flatspotting,, not such a big deal with newer tires,, but the old Bias-ply would take a bit to get back to roundness,,
And are you serving in the Military,, if so, Thanks in advance

 

Good Call on the SEAFOAM. I have never used it but have heard all good stuff about it. Thanks for reminding me to pick some up and try it out.