This is my first diesel, and not sure what to do. Got back from a trip just before Christmas, and it will not tow again until end of March. Is there anything special I need to do with regard to fuel? Or DEF fluid? Any other tips would be appreciated. My vehicles are normally driven, but this was bought to tow.


Thanks in advance

 

DEF, make sure the tank is not full. The DEF will freeze and needs room to expand, otherwise it will crack the tank.
Fuel - add anti gel.
Battery - add battery tender.
That's about it.

 

What wrvond said...on do NOT periodically start it! Leave it be until you are going to actually drive it a deceit distance.

 

Curious on dual bettery setup... one Tender or one on each battery?? Sorry to be so dense. :-)

 

Good question. I haven't looked at the circuit to know if the batteries are linked when the truck is off.

I would fill the fuel tank (diesel). That minimizes the air content and the resulting condensation from temperature fluctuations.

 

That is a very good question. I have two batteries and two alternators and have not read anything yet that explains how they work.
I'd be tempted to go with two tenders or disconnect both batteries from the truck and wire them in parallel and use one tender.

 

They are wired in parallel, you only need one tender.

 

I put my battery tender on the passenger side battery. Keeps both charged just fine.

 

Thanks Ricohman.. passenger battery it is then!

 

If the DEF freezes, does that create any driving problems? Thanks.

 

Nope. I'm sure my DEF has been frozen for 2 weeks since it has been -30 or lower.

 

Not sure if this is relevant anymore, but here it is:
When I used to store my 7.3 for the winter months I also used an anti algae additive. That was suggested by several on a Powerstroke forum that I used to frequent.
https://www.ruralking.com/bio-kleen-...xoCyrAQAvD_BwE

 

I'd say that is a great tip!

 

I can only say this much - I kept both tanks full. Treated with Power Service 911 and the above mentioned algae treatment while it sat from late October to late March/early April.
It was a 1997 F Super Duty (F450 equivalent) bucket truck with 7.3. I either removed batteries and brought them in to keep charged or put a tender on them and left them in the stored outside truck.
When spring rolled around, it would take off with no problems. Just to be sure I always put a new fuel filter and changed the oil & filter every spring when the truck was back in service even though I may have only put 3-4k miles on it during the previous season.
Last I knew the truck was working with an aircraft maintenance firm based in Kentucky but working in Cincinnati.

 

Be wary of placing your battery tender within the engine compartment. Doing so may create a nice warm home for an unpleasant rodent.

I have placed one on top of an axle; weather protected yet still lots of air flow for heat dissipation.