Long term storage???

[ArchieAnz]

Hey folks,



I am deploying at the end of the month. I will be gone for 6 months and I will be putting my truck into long term storage until June. I'm just wondering what things I should check into or do to the truck prior to storage. The long term storage unit can start the truck about every week or two but, I doubt that it will get the chance to warm up to normal operating temps. I fear they will just start and let it idle for an hour or so. Do you guys have any suggestions? Any ideas would be welcome.





Mike



2005 2500 HD 325/610 cummins, nv5600 6 speed, reg. cab 4x4. 8700 miles

 

[JApol]

Fill the tank to reduce condensation. Change the oil to make sure that any acids in the oil are removed. Jack up the truck and put it on jackstands to keep the tires from flatspotting. See if you can get you hands on some dessicant and put it in the cab to keep the moisture down inside.

 

[GaryCarter]

Idling will be worse than nothing (condensation). We routinely park seasonal use diesels for 9 months with zero problems except for dead batteries and wasp nests.



Gary

 

[Nate]

I would disconnect the batteries and maybe take them out and put them on a trickle charger if you can.



Clean it inside and out, and a good wax job wouldn't hurt. I don't know if they make it for diesel, but I normally put some Stabil in the gas tank of my Jeep when I'm parking it.

 

[MCecil]

For storage, what they said.

Take care of yourself brother, keep your head on a swivle and come home safe. Semper Fi.

God's Speed,
Merv

 

[ArchieAnz]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will just have them put the batteries on a charger from time to time. I plan on giving the truck a good cleaning and wax job before I go. I will probably put fill up before putting it in storage. Will the fuel go bad sitting for six months? Thanks again... and as we say in the Navy... drink to the foam



Mike

 

[MNielsen]

ArchieAnz,

I'm in the seabees and wish you well, watch your 6 and keep it in the 9's. The military will store your vehicle at no charge to you, They ship it to Las Angeles and start and run it weekly. Inside storage, nice facility. They check fluids and battery monthly. Good luck!! my e-mail in -- email address removed -- if you want to e-mail to stay in contact. My wife is in the sandbox now for 3. 5 months and has at least 8. 5 months left, she says e-mail helps with the down times

 

[JApol]

I'm active Navy also. I am stationed in Pax right now. If your in Norfolk I'll "watch" your truck for ya

 

[dieselboy25]

I had no issues with my truck during my first or second deployment (thank you Army) doing that same things mentioned above.

Eric

 

[CATCRACKER]

when restarting s stored cummins they recommend to crank the truck without letting it start until the oil pressure registers so oil will flow to bearings that could be completly dry.

 

[RDietze]

when restarting s stored cummins they recommend to crank the truck without letting it start until the oil pressure registers so oil will flow to bearings that could be completly dry.

i installed an amsoil precharger which stores about 6 ounces of oil under pressure (charged spring with solenoid valve) that momentarily pressurizes the system to place oil through the oil rifles and to the turbocharger (similar to an oil-can effect) - to prevent "dry" startup. https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/amk.aspx

i too get underway but will be soon retiring from the military. i'm projecting that my next career will have my truck sitting around for up to a month at a time -- so i made the splurge and bought this amsoil gizzmo for around $340

i'll use my precharger and then use the above procedure catcracker speaks about to start my truck after extended inactivity -- i start my excursion per catcrackers advice after it has been sitting over a week, cycles the crap out of the batteries and starting system though.



i've also heard that synthetic oil "clings" better to metal than dino (myth/truth )



hope this helps

good luck on your cruise!