Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Firing up a long term parked diesel

[NSperduto]

Came here for some guidance. I have an 04, so I usually only frequent that forum.



Looking at buying a truck off a friend of mine.

It's a 96 2500, 4wd 12 valve. 165,000 miles.



It hasn't been started or driven in 2 to 3 years. It was parked because of a loss of license not because there was anything wrong with the truck. The batteries are dead. I'm assuming that since it's been parked so long, the fuel may have some algae in it. My plan was to not even start it, just bring it home, drop the tank and flush the tank out.

Other than doing that and changing out the filter before I start it, is there anything else I should do as far as cleaning out the fuel lines, etc... Or anything else that I should inspect on a diesel that's been parked for awhile.





Thanks,

Nick

 

[GaryOwen]

My 95 sat for several months at a time for a period of a couple of years. Didn't add any fuel the whole time. Last May I got it back up and going again. I drained the fuel filter and it looked good. I then siphoned some from the tank and it looked good. So I tried cranking, but the shut off solenoid was stuck. Manually operated the solenoid a few times, cracked an injector line until fuel came out, then it cranked right up. Changed the fuel filter after driving about 10 miles. Also changed the oil and filter and the air filter. I then replaced the transmission, transfer case and differential fluids. Also changed the serpentine belt. Probably should have bled the brake fluid also. I changed the oil/filter and fuel filter again after about 1000 miles. After having some more problems with the fuel shutoff solenoid, I replaced the boot and the relay and have had no more problems. The boot was falling apart.



This is what I experienced getting my truck going again, not necessarily a recommendation, but maybe it will help some. Next project is to do the sport headlight conversion.



Forgot to mention I also replaced brake pads, tires and batteries.

 

[GAmes]

I would do basically what Gary did. Pull the fuel filter and manually pump some fuel out of the tank. If it is full of algae you will know it. Replace the fuel filter, engine oil and filter and see if it will crank. More than likely you will need to replace the rubber fuel lines and all the other fluids. I would definitely flush the brake fluid, power steering fluid and radiator coolant. Don't forget the KDP!