Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Long Term Storage

[madmanmanick]

I am about to put my truck into long term storage for about 9 months. The place that it will be parked is at about a 15-20 percent grade. Is it better for the truck to be parked with the front facing uphill or the back facing uphill. Also I know that I have to disconnect the batteries, is there anything else that is recommended to do before I put my truck into storage.

 

[PSpychalski]

Don't think it matters which way it faces. I also block the rig, get the weight off the wheels... . mainly off the wheel bearings. Also place a square piece of wood about 5/8 in thick under the tires & cover the tiires if outside... this will help prevent weather checking the tires.

 

[Tractorat]

Well,

Someone with even just a minimal amount of knowledge will probably disagree with me here. But, I've always heard that, for long term storage, it is a good idea to drain all of the fluids.

 

[JRBurton]

I would not worry about doing anything. I just returned from my 2nd deployment and I did none of that. I just filled the fuel tank and added fuel adative that I always use, my wife does start my truck once in a while but thats it. I drive it while on leave but that is all I have done.



John

 

[AHolt]

My truck will go into storage this month, take out end April.

I fill tank add additive, no problem.

 

[JRBurton]

That is all I have done, you will more than likely have to charge your batteries when you get home, I had to. My wife didnot run it enough when I was gone. You will hear different opinions on what to do, all I can say is what I have done not once but twice. This last time I did change oil before I left. I use all Amsoil products. I use FPPF fuel treatment products, I have been for about 14 years.

I was nervous the first time I was deployed, I was not sure on how to store my truck. Just use some good common sense.

On my first return from overseas truck ran just fine when I returned home.

This last time truck ran fine also, the only repairs I had to make was replace a fog light lightbulb, and repair drivers side window, the adhesive that held the window into the track had dried out. I think I spent all of $20 on parts the rest was my labor.

Oh yea I still need to give it a good washing, and a set of wiper blades.



John

 

[JRBurton]

I forgot when I returned home I hooked up the 5th wheel and went for a long trip.

Truck now has 101,000 on it.



John

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I would park it nose uphill, otherwise there's a chance oil may pool at the lower front of the engine instead of where the oil pickup is at the back of the pan.

I would leave all fluids and have the fuel tank full to combat condensation and put an extra shot of fuel additive in for good measure.

When you fire up for the first time after a long wait Cummins suggests popping Fuse 9 out of the panel at the end of the dash then crank it for several seconds (the engine won't fire). This will circulate oil and build pressure, then put it back in and fire up.