Year old truck with 535 miles on it

[AHarris]

I bought my truck in Nov while still in Germany and have driven it a couple times when I was back in the States TDY. Other than a couple of weekends, it's been sitting. Brand new with original oil and fuel filter. When I left to go back to Germany, the last think I did was top off the fuel tank.

Truck (3500 SRW, 6. 7, G56, SLT in case sig doesn't work again) was built in May 2007. Delivered to me Nov 2007. Driven 535 miles gently over two weekends I was TDY back to Florida. Stored under a tarp at my brother's house and started every few weeks.

The end of May, we move back to CONUS and I will be driving the truck about 5,000 miles in a move which takes my wife to Louisiana and me to California for a year. 3,000 miles of this move will involve towing a 26' TT.

Question is: is the original oil and fuel filter ok or should I change the oil and fuel filter before setting out on this epic journey? Anything else I should do for the truck before I wake it up from it's long sleep?

 

[Tom W]

I would worry about the fuel. I suggest you add a conditioner and carry a fuel filter just in case. I think the oil would be OK.

 

[16919]

I would do both... the oil has been sitting for a while and should be fine but if you are worried about it... just change it. The fuel should be ok too but make sure you put some conditioner/stabilizer in it just too be safe... and change the fuel filter after you run it a bit around town for a while before setting out on your trip. It never hurts to have spare oil and fuel filters handy as well as extra oil and fuel conditioner.

 

[JimB1]

Put a trickle charger on it for about 2 days out of 14, preferably the two days before the startup.



If the tarp is that generic blue type, maybe change to a real made for the purpose car cover.



They shed water, breath, and don't put tiny little scratches on paint & glass, all of which generic plastic poly tarps do.



They're pretty cheap. Costco variety was about $20 if that. Covers entire front end & cab but not cargo box but that's not all so important.



That's what I do with one of my trucks and it works pretty good, tho' when I do start it up it goes out for 30-40 mile drive which heats everything enough to get any condensation moisture out of crankcase, gear cases, re-flows bypass fuel back thru tank enough times to mix and re-filter the entire tank.

 

[Troubleshooter]

As long as someone's starting it every few weeks anyhow, ask them to add the fuel conditioner (powerservice or whatever brand is available) next time they crank 'er up.



Have you put it up on jackstands to avoid getting flat spots on the tires?



I concur with the recommendation to change oil and fuel filter, and carry spares on your PCS journey. You could do it in the driveway or (better yet) find a base with an auto crafts shop along your route of march, and put it up on a lift to do it the right way.



Did something similar a couple of years ago when I parked mine for a 14-month jaunt to the sandbox. With fuel conditioner in the tank, it started right up on return. Drove it until the tank was near empty, filled with new fuel, and then changed the oil and fuel filters. Had to deal with flat spots on the tires for awhile as we didn't have the option of putting it up on blocks. Oh, and watch out for those mud-dauber nests under the hood when you open it up the first time!



Welcome back.

 

[AHarris]

Noah Car Cover

Put a trickle charger on it for about 2 days out of 14, preferably the two days before the startup.

If the tarp is that generic blue type, maybe change to a real made for the purpose car cover.

They shed water, breath, and don't put tiny little scratches on paint & glass, all of which generic plastic poly tarps do.

They're pretty cheap. Costco variety was about $20 if that. Covers entire front end & cab but not cargo box but that's not all so important.

That's what I do with one of my trucks and it works pretty good, tho' when I do start it up it goes out for 30-40 mile drive which heats everything enough to get any condensation moisture out of crankcase, gear cases, re-flows bypass fuel back thru tank enough times to mix and re-filter the entire tank.

I bought a Noah breathable cover custom fitted for the truck and it seems to work great for it. I would never use one of those cheap plastic tarps.

Also, I just ordered a Bakflip G2 tonneau cover for the back of the truck. Heard lots of good things about this hard tonneau... can't wait to put it on.

My brother starts it up pretty often.

I thought about fuel conditioner but I've read too many posts (and also noticed in the owners manual) that using fuel additives with this 6. 7 motor is not a good idea.

Appreciate the advice. I'll schedule an appointment with the dealer to get the fuel filter and oil changed before I leave on the "California by way of Upper Michigan and Louisiana trip"... it probably needs an updated flash too.

 

[JLEONARD]

I'd start it drive it and not worry about it. We let diesels, all brands, sit for 6 months in our boats during the winter... oil is fine, fuel is fine. Fire up, warm up and go.

Jay

 

[MCummings]

I would take it straight to the dealer and have them put all the latest and greatest flashes. Really helps with the DPF efficiency and Check Engine Lights.





Merrick

 

[Andy Morrison]

What ever you do DON'T PUT ANYTHING IN THE FUEL!!

DPF's don't like fuel additives and it may VOID WARRENTY.



I would however change the engine oil as it can absorb water over time.

Also you might want to drive it a bit more before you tow and as stated above take it to dealer for all the latest flashes.



Andy

 

[AHarris]

Asking again

Hey guys,



I'm heading back to the States in the next 10 days. The truck has 600 miles on it now and has spent the better part of it's first year sitting. Thinking of driving it about 3000 miles then getting oil and fuel filter changed when I get to Shreveport, LA with about 1,700 miles more to go to Monterey, CA.



The truck has been in Jacksonville, FL, a relatively humid climate and my brother has been starting it up and driving it every couple of weeks.



TDR motorheads please give me a heads up if this is a mistake. With moving a family of 4 around the world, just trying to keep things simple.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I'd hop in it and drive

 

[JimB1]

Yoga stretches for the smile muscles.



Get'em loosened up now.



Welcome home, thanx for taking a turn.

 

[dpuckett]

Get in, drive it, and dont baby it. I wouldnt say hard driving, but working the engine during its 5-10K break in is best for longevity and reliability. I'd recommend a 30-50mi drive to double check everything and get re-accustomed to it, but other than that, drive it. I had a 90 that sat for almost a year without being started. Got the fuel system bled (I had swapped pumps in the meantime), and it ran smooth as silk.



Daniel

 

[ttbird]

Drive it ! It's a truck. Been doing it for thirteen years now and running better than new.

 

[AHarris]

Update

Truck now has 12,000 miles. Never a single CEL or problem. Getting ready for 3rd oil change at dealer (did first one early because truck sat for a while). Very satisfied with truck (but worried about the future of Chrysler--covered that in a different thread). Getting 18-19 on hwy and 16 in town.

 

[KKohagen]

Thanks for helping keep me and mine safe by doing your stint on the other side of the world. Enjoy the truck.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Truck now has 12,000 miles. Never a single CEL or problem. Getting ready for 3rd oil change at dealer (did first one early because truck sat for a while). Very satisfied with truck (but worried about the future of Chrysler--covered that in a different thread). Getting 18-19 on hwy and 16 in town.

Sounds like you have a great truck - and unless you plan on keeping it for far longer than most typical (3-5 years) owners, parts and service aren't likely to be an issue even if Chrysler does eventually disappear. And I sorta doubt resale or trade value would suffer much more on a Dodge diesel any more than the drop already affecting other diesel-fueled truck due to fuel cost.





Drive that sucker, and ENJOY it!

 

[MAllen1]

I would say that if there is any doubt in your mind change them both. Anything above and beyond that I would have to agree with Tom W and carry an extra fuel filter because the fuel has been sitting for a while.