Safe to start?

[retirednak]

My '03 dually has been parked in my heated garage for almost 3 yrs. Should I drain the fuel from the tank or add Power Service, install new batteries and fire it up?

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Shot in the dark recommendation as far as what I would do.

Drain the oil and pour it across the valve train (cover off ofc), power service isn't a bad idea in the tank, if you have an aftermarket lift pump system or factory one change the filters and sample the fuel before priming. You could buy new batteries or jump the ones in off (depends on what you're doing with the truck going forward).

How much fuel was in the tank?

 

[bighammer]

Would there be worry of old fuel in a heated garage? Without the temperature variation, I doubt there is collected moisture or possible growth.

 

[BigPapa]

I’d change the fuel filters, the oil and filter, and start her up. Fuel should be fine,

 

[AH64ID]

I’d change the fuel filters, the oil and filter, and start her up. Fuel should be fine,

Exactly my thoughts.

To go a step further, after everything has been changed, disconnect the 3 injector harnesses on the drivers side of the valve cover and motor the starter for 20-30 seconds. Reconnect the wiring harness and fire it up.

 

[BigPapa]

I figured it would take 30-40 seconds of cranking after the fuel filter change before it would start.

 

[AH64ID]

I figured it would take 30-40 seconds of cranking after the fuel filter change before it would start.

I’ve never had a CR take more than 3-4 seconds after a fuel filter change when you use the prime procedure.

Heck I can’t even do the prime procedure with my push button start and it always starts right up on my 18.

 

[BigPapa]

Got it. I agree, if it’ll start that quick I’d disconnect the injectors and crank a bit, too.

 

[retirednak]

I have Airdog lift pump and planned on changing the fuel filter before firing up. I'll go ahead and change oil & filter as well. Didn't think about disconnecting the injector, will do that too. Thanks for the help

 

[GCroyle]

Check air filter and box for critter nest?

Visual insp engine compartment for chewed wires?

Good luck.

 

[retirednak]

I'll update next week how things went. Thanks again

 

[AH64ID]

She’s a beaut.

Why was she parked for so long?

 

[Topzide]

He had a 1500 Eco-Diesel that just saved his life! Has to pull ol' reliable out of deep sleep and put back in service. Shs'll wake up just fine and be ready to go to work for you!

 

[AH64ID]

He had a 1500 Eco-Diesel that just saved his life! Has to pull ol' reliable out of deep sleep and put back in service. Shs'll wake up just fine and be ready to go to work for you!

I saw that, the eco did great, but usually most folks don’t just let good equipment sit and rot. It’s not good for things to sit that long, it usually ends up costing more than even very irregular use. So I was wondering if there was another reason it sat so long.

 

[retirednak]

I bought the EcoDiesel because my '03 just rides to rough on my old back and poor roads here in Alaska. The truck has 126K and ran great when parked

 

[Tuesdak]

I would sample the fuel when you change filters to make sure nothing is growing in it. Visually and sniff test should do.

Then look at it’s value vs. 3 years ago and cash it out for something that rides better like the new air ride SRW in a 3500 or whatever else will do the job and you enjoy driving.