4 Month Lay Up - What do you Suggest
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Keyport, NJ
4 Month Lay Up - What do you Suggest
Well my temp tags are just about expired and do not plan on registering my 03 6.8l Ex Ltd until March when the lease is up on my current vehicle. So looks like 4 months laid up in my yard. On the bright side it will miss a Winter of salty roads yet I know that vehicles "hate to sit" for extended periods of time.
Any tips to keep her in shape during this lay up? I figured I would start her up and run her maybe twice a week for a half hour or so to warm up the engine and exhaust system and burn off any condensation. Also roll her back and forth to prevent any rust build up on the rotors. Should I do any gas treatment? Hesitant to full her up and let $150 worth of fuel sit for 4 months (kind of like money in the bank without interest, lol) but would that help minimize condensation/water build up in the tank?
Any ideas and suggestions would be appreciated!
Any tips to keep her in shape during this lay up? I figured I would start her up and run her maybe twice a week for a half hour or so to warm up the engine and exhaust system and burn off any condensation. Also roll her back and forth to prevent any rust build up on the rotors. Should I do any gas treatment? Hesitant to full her up and let $150 worth of fuel sit for 4 months (kind of like money in the bank without interest, lol) but would that help minimize condensation/water build up in the tank?
Any ideas and suggestions would be appreciated!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 17
Actually filling the tank up all the way to the brim wouldn't be a bad idea, less space for air and any associated corrosion or contaminants. I'd definitely recommend a fuel stabilizer if it gets way cold during your winters (didn't check your location).
Honestly I left my Ex sitting for months at a time during active duty on deployments and all that, all I did was hook up a battery tender and put it up on partially extended jack stands (four per side) to alleviate some weight off the suspension and tires.
If you're going to start it up every now and then, I'd do a bit more than just roll it back and forth. Perhaps a drive around the block or your property if you have space to ensure the wheel bearings and such keep proper grease distribution, etc.
On a super **** note, after said short jaunts park it facing a different direction so it weathers evenly
Honestly I left my Ex sitting for months at a time during active duty on deployments and all that, all I did was hook up a battery tender and put it up on partially extended jack stands (four per side) to alleviate some weight off the suspension and tires.
If you're going to start it up every now and then, I'd do a bit more than just roll it back and forth. Perhaps a drive around the block or your property if you have space to ensure the wheel bearings and such keep proper grease distribution, etc.
On a super **** note, after said short jaunts park it facing a different direction so it weathers evenly
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 727
Likes: 2
From: Seaside NJ
Yes fill the tank, and a stabilizer like sta-bil, this is common practice when storing boats for the winter. Couldn't hurt to open it up on occasion, and start it.
There was a thread recently about long term storage, lots of great advice given.
There was a thread recently about long term storage, lots of great advice given.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 42
From: Almost back in TX biotche
By another temp tag. I rolled around for almost 6 months on temp tags. The vehicle was no where near getting inspected but I needed a running vehicle. Renewed the tags every month.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
drive it nice and hot before you do a final park. add stabilizer to fuel and fill the tank full.
If it's anywhere close to being due for an oil change do it before parking.
Do not start it and run it idle. This will actually introduce moisture in your exhaust system since it's unlikely that it will be fully warmed up.
Hook up some type of battery tender to keep battery full.
fill tires w air to 60psi.
Make sure coolant is capable of handling whatever cold temps you get in winter.
Should be good to go in spring.
If it's anywhere close to being due for an oil change do it before parking.
Do not start it and run it idle. This will actually introduce moisture in your exhaust system since it's unlikely that it will be fully warmed up.
Hook up some type of battery tender to keep battery full.
fill tires w air to 60psi.
Make sure coolant is capable of handling whatever cold temps you get in winter.
Should be good to go in spring.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,051
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
The only thing I would add to the good advice above is to not park it over dirt/soil/grass if at all possible, that will amplify any current underbody rust and promote fresh rust to start. Missing a salty winter is always a good thing, I try to keep mine in the driveway all winter, I fill the tank and run it for 20-25 minutes every every few weeks otherwise it just sits with a Battery Tender hooked up.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sky Cowboy
General Automotive Discussion
7
Jun 18, 2016 11:04 AM
Monster-4
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
10
Jan 6, 2015 08:16 PM
MDSuperDuty
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
4
Jan 23, 2012 08:16 PM
