Restarting after 20 Months?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2003
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Restarting after 20 Months?
Hi there,
I had to leave my 03 Explorer in storage for 20 months. This was unexpected so I did not do anything special - it has just been parked in a garage for 20 months.
Obviously I will need a new battery and a good checkup, but are there any special precautions I should take before starting other than ensuring the fluid levels are OK?
The truck is parked in a very awkward position and it is not possible to gain access to change any fluids before starting.
Appreciate any thoughts.
Thanks. TC
I had to leave my 03 Explorer in storage for 20 months. This was unexpected so I did not do anything special - it has just been parked in a garage for 20 months.
Obviously I will need a new battery and a good checkup, but are there any special precautions I should take before starting other than ensuring the fluid levels are OK?
The truck is parked in a very awkward position and it is not possible to gain access to change any fluids before starting.
Appreciate any thoughts.
Thanks. TC
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
I had to leave my 03 Explorer in storage for 20 months. This was unexpected so I did not do anything special - it has just been parked in a garage for 20 months.
Try charging the battery, you might be surprized.
Obviously I will need a new battery and a good checkup, but are there any special precautions I should take before starting other than ensuring the fluid levels are OK?
If they were good when it was parked they should still be good. If you did not put Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer in the tank the gas will surely be bad and need draining after you get it out or depending on how much is in the tank it might just blend with fresh fuel.
The truck is parked in a very awkward position and it is not possible to gain access to change any fluids before starting.
Appreciate any thoughts.
Thanks. TC
Try charging the battery, you might be surprized.
Obviously I will need a new battery and a good checkup, but are there any special precautions I should take before starting other than ensuring the fluid levels are OK?
If they were good when it was parked they should still be good. If you did not put Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer in the tank the gas will surely be bad and need draining after you get it out or depending on how much is in the tank it might just blend with fresh fuel.
The truck is parked in a very awkward position and it is not possible to gain access to change any fluids before starting.
Appreciate any thoughts.
Thanks. TC
Good luck with it.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2003
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Thanks Moto Mel,
One question re the fuel. The tank was very low and I did not put a stabilizer in it. I'm hoping it will just blend if I fill the tank. If not, how difficult is it to drain the tank??
Thanks TC
One question re the fuel. The tank was very low and I did not put a stabilizer in it. I'm hoping it will just blend if I fill the tank. If not, how difficult is it to drain the tank??
Thanks TC
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
It is a bit complex as the plastic tanks don't have a means to drain them and the best way i can think of is to remove the fuel filter and let the pump pump it out. Before starting the engine I would remove the "Schrader" valve in the fuel rail at the injectors and turn the key on to get fuel up to the injectors, then reinstall the valve and give it a try.
Tuned
Joined: May 2008
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2 year old fuel may not be any truble at all. Just jump it or put a battery charger on it over nite and fire it up and gas it up. You migh through in some seafoam fuel conditioner just forfun. You may not even need a battery after only 20 months. I would do a oil change and lube job and go on my way. zzz
Z
Z
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Cross-Country
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Thanks for the help. One other question - how about tires? I had just replaced the tires about 5,000 miles before the storage so they were in good condition. But I'm wondering if the steel belts are likely to have flattened at all on the side that has been in contact with the ground?
TC
TC
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Morgan Hill, CA
Being parked indoors is a big plus in your favor. I just got a car running that had spent 18 YEARS outside without being started, but that is a another story!
If I were you I would just put 5 gallons or so of fresh gas in the tank before you start it, then fill it up all the way at the gas station. The battery may charge up- but I doubt it- maybe a 10% chance, but worth a try if you have a charger. The tires are likely ok- I have an old car that sits in my garage for 6 to 9 months all the time.
mike
If I were you I would just put 5 gallons or so of fresh gas in the tank before you start it, then fill it up all the way at the gas station. The battery may charge up- but I doubt it- maybe a 10% chance, but worth a try if you have a charger. The tires are likely ok- I have an old car that sits in my garage for 6 to 9 months all the time.
mike
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
Thanks for the help. One other question - how about tires? I had just replaced the tires about 5,000 miles before the storage so they were in good condition. But I'm wondering if the steel belts are likely to have flattened at all on the side that has been in contact with the ground?
TC
TC
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From: Frederick, MD
it will probably smoke and run rough for a few as well so be prepared for that, watch for any signs of leaks after you have driven it a bit.
Let it get completely up to operating temp before you shut it down.
You will want to change the oil very soon.
Let it get completely up to operating temp before you shut it down.
You will want to change the oil very soon.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Ft. Worth, Tx
Is it possible that the fuel pump will be stuck from sitting this period of time? If so, are there suggestions to jump-start it? My neighbor let a small Ford Wagon sit about 2 years w/o starting it and the pump stuck (with 18,000 miles on it). Not bad to replace it yourself but his was an expensive part and labor. A friend has a garage and finds this problem if some pumps sit too long. Bumping the tank has gotten some going for them. I wonder if adding Sta-Bil or Berryman’s B-12 will help if needed? JOW
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
Have you tried to get it running yet? If not, do so. There's no point in worrying about what you are not confronted with, just fix that which needs fixing to get it operating. You will have to worry about any other stuff as it actually comes up.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Regina,Saskatchewan
I recently bought a 97 Explorer that had been sitting in a garage for almost 3 yrs with a blown transmission.I siphoned as much gas as possible out by using a long hose and an old primer bulb off an outboard motor and then added about 5 gallons of fresh fuel.I assumed with the fuel injection since there is a return line that by simply turning the ignition key on and off half a dozen times or so that the fuel pump would cycle on and off and clear out the lines of any old fuel and it seemed to work as the motor started almost instantly.I changed the oil before starting it and had to put in a fresh battery as it came without one but I was quite suprised at how little trouble I had.I put some of the old gas in my lawnmower and it ran fine so I got rid of the rest of it by mixing it 50/50 with fresh gas and using it in my Ranger.
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From: Ft. Worth, Tx
"Good Call", Moto Mel! I have not been as lucky with my Dash Fire. Such as, it has basically been declared a total by the adjuster and body shop but the adjuster wants the dash removed??? I went by to try and remove more personal items but this is getting confusing. Plus, I have started the dreaded shopping process. JOW
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
"Good Call", Moto Mel! I have not been as lucky with my Dash Fire. Such as, it has basically been declared a total by the adjuster and body shop but the adjuster wants the dash removed??? I went by to try and remove more personal items but this is getting confusing. Plus, I have started the dreaded shopping process. JOW
Good luck with your shopping and I hope you don't overlook the Expeditions and Navigators as they are excellent trucks. A bit more heavy duty than an Explorer and a bit more powerful and roomier as well. I have an Expedition 4X4, Navigator AWD, Explorer 5.0 AWD and the bigger trucks will do more work easier than the Explorer, which is an excellent truck too. The fuel economy is amost the same on all 3 and the comfort is greater in the bigger trucks. Also the 5.4 32 valve engines do not have several of the problems of the 16 valvers, provide the best economy and most power when you want it. I love my Lincoln.
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