2013 not started in 5 years... any advice?

[dmulc]

A relative lost his license and parked his 2013 3500 6.7 cummins in Florida for 5 years. It hasn't been started in all those years. It has less than 50,000 miles on it.
He's offered to sell it to me. I'm sure the battery is dead. Besides the battery and checking the oil and coolant levels... what else should be done before someone tries to start it?
Thanks

 

[Ozymandias]

Check for algae in the fuel before you turn the key.
In the warm, damp climate fuel turns had within a year.

Tires will need replacement too.

How was it stored, in a climate garage or under the apple tree?
Big difference if it comes to the cost for the awakening.

Cars don't like to sit put for such a long time.

 

[Topzide]

@Ozymandias is correct about the list, Fuel, Electrical (Batteries and wiring), Tires and Brake Hoses and pull the dipstick to look for condensation in the oil pan.A diesel engine can sit and made to run again, it's all the other things that cause the problems with it running again. Glad you're able to get it back on the road again! Just give it some TLC and love!

 

[Jim W]

I would also add to the list is to change your filters both fuel (2) and oil before starting. I would also recommend that you have a spare fuel filter on hand. You may want to do an analysis on the engine oil by a lab such as Blackstone to see if there is moister is in the oil and or still good to use. Plus, an analysis on the coolant since the coolant is 9 to 10 years old and this will break down over time.

After the engine is running and warmed up, I would change the transmission oil and filters plus brake fluid plus power steering fluid as these will absorb moisture over time and it hasn't been driven in 10 years.

Just my humble opinion.

 

[petersonj]

A step that sometimes gets overlooked. I would bar the engine over by hand for two revolutions before using the starter motor. Internal dynamic engine components don't like to break loose when setting for years. Piston rings can stick to cylinder walls. A soft break-away (rotating by hand) is much better that the sudden break-away by the engagement of a starter motor.

- John

 

[Timd32]

Cool find.

Most of this list is covered above, but might be helpful. Lots of good info above.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Remove every bit if fuel from the tank, change all fluids-filters including brake fluid and batteries before trying to start it.

 

[dmulc]

Thanks for all your responses... Those are things I can do myself. I'm probably going to go through with the purchase in a week or two. I'll throw some pics up when I get it.
Thanks again!

 

[dmulc]

Check for algae in the fuel before you turn the key.
In the warm, damp climate fuel turns had within a year.

Tires will need replacement too.

How was it stored, in a climate garage or under the apple tree?
Big difference if it comes to the cost for the awakening.

Cars don't like to sit put for such a long time.

It was stored outside in the open sun. Surprisingly the paint and clear coat looks great

 

[AH64ID]

Drain the fuel tank, might even open it up and inspect it.
New fuel filters
Change the oil and filter

Once it's running I would change all the other fluids bumper to bumper and I'd probably do a short oil/filter and fuel filter interval on the first go.

 

[Diesel85]

These are solid suggestions on what to do. Good luck, and nice find.