Next month Im going to Japan for 3 years cant take my pickup does any one have any tips for storing it ie draining fluids and putting it up
on blocks?

Thanks,

Steve

 

I wouldn't drain any fluids out of it. Make sure they're all topped off. Change engine oil before you lay it up. Changeing the coolant would probably be a good idea too. That would make sure you have sufficient corrosion inhibitor in the coolant. Top off the fuel tanks. That will prevent air from entering the tanks and condensing moisture inside the tank. Putting it up on blocks is a good idea to keep the rubber from cracking. I don't know if it will help to disconnect the battery, but can't hurt.

 

You can block your truck up its frame rails. By doing this you are taking the load off of the tires and the suspension.

Fordy

 

The fuel system will be the big problem. The gas will go stale within a couple of months. If it has a carb I think I would run it dry. This will make the gaskets dry out, but I guess it's better than letting the gas stay in there. After a year it will turn to a thick goo. Maybe you should just resign yourself to rebuilding the carb when you come back.

 

damnit I hate the military I wish I could just take my truck with me
but they drive on the other side of the road

 

Is there something I can add to the gas? Or maybe something else to put in the tank?
And as for the engine would it be better to fill it all the way up with oil?

 

probably wouldn't be a bad idea to put it on blocks unless you have someone who can start it up and move it around every once and a while. You don't want your wheels to sieze up. I would be very handy to have someone to turn it over at least 3 or 4 times a year. Have fun in Japan.

 

madman211,


for what it is worth i have had great luck with a product called sta-bil it is a fuel stabilizer(availible at most auto parts stores in a transparent bottle and it is red liquid ) that i use in just about everything around here (snowblower,lawnmower ,and all vehicles) you just add a small amount to youre fuel tank and it keeps the fuel fresh for quick and easy starts anytime.well hope you have good luck gettin youre truck prep'd and have even better luck in japan


owner/driver 86 f-150 2wd aod tranny efi 302
also 85 ranger 2wd auto carb 2.8 v6 150,000 miles and still going

 

put fresh oil in cranckcase,start engine,shut engine down remove valve covers loosen all rockers up put valve covers back on. remove plugs...add oil into plug holes turn engine over by hand...let carb run out of gas....fill vent holes with 2-cycle oil....ground frame to floor with chain...oil calipers/drums......get some dissicant....that stuff that comes in packages put in cab...maybe add a couple of quarts of oil to gas tank then fill up GOD BLESS

 

If you can garage the vehicle, do it. I would top off the oil, but don't change it till you get back, then change it before you drive it much. As for the fuel, I think I would run her dry. Then try to start her several times to make sure that there is no fuel in the carb. If your carb has a fuel bowl drain, drain it. Then try to start it again. When she won't fire, you've cleaned out the jets, thereby reducing the chance of them getting gummed up. Fuel stabilizers have a limited life, so don't do that if you're going to be gone a long time. If you have a diesel don't worry about the fuel. I'd top it off and forget about it.

You might get some moisture in your tank from condensation, but it won't be much. When you get home fill up your tank. You could pour in some gas treatment that removes water if you're worried about condensation. Basically condensation happens when you have warm air next to a cold surface. That can happen when the air in the tank is warmed during the day, then as temperatures fall at night the tank will cool faster than the air inside. Some moisture might condense in the tank, but it won't be much. Garaging should keep temperatures from going up and down so fast and reduce any condensation.

The desicants sounds like it might be a good idea. If garaged leave the windows cracked for ventilation. By equalizing the temperature inside and outside the cab you cut the chance for condensation and the ventilation will allow moisture to escape when temperatures rise.

Another good idea is to loan your truck to a good friend as a second vehicle and have them run it once a month or so.

Have a good trip!

BigBlue2