Really Long Term Storage

[Kernel]

I just found out that in August I will PCS (move) to Germany for a 36mo tour. I have done a search on long term storage, but none really deal with the period of time I will be gone. Selling her is NOT an option. I have a plan to have it kept in my mom's garage, and have my buddy or my brother-in-law drive it atleast once a month, and at least have my mom go and start it up (with the proper education). What else should I do besides oil, filter, air pressure in the tires, etc. that I have found. What is the minimum I should have it started and driven in a month's time?



I am looking forward to the diesel plenty land of Germany and the possibilities. I can get the truck shipped, but it has to meet Germany's standards, and something tells me it won't meet them or fit down the smaller roads easily . Thanks for any help.





Scott

 

[illflem]

Parking it for that long I wouldn't worry about even starting it, all it will maybe save is the batteries. I'd just change the oil, fill the tank with fuel and additive, put it on blocks and disconnect the batteries. Biggest worry would be mice moving in, Bounce dryer cloths under the hood and in the cab will take care of that but will need to changed every six months.

 

[Kernel]

How about the seals, etc. ? I suppose I would make it home every 8mos or so. The batteries aren't a big deal to me looking at the big picture.



How long is too long to keep it plugged in? It will be stored in Southern Ohio, and atleast through the coldest part of winter I think it would be a good thing to keep it warmed up.



I am not as worried about mice (I had a '63 Impala that I just sold and it was parked in the same garage for years with no problems) but I want to leave nothing to chance and the sheets are a good idea to do.



How about my aFe filter? How often should it be reoiled to keep from drying out and sucking the filament out of it?



I guess I better get on the ball and start BOMBing the rest of the way I want to go so I can enjoy it .



Scott

 

[LSMITH]

Driving it will not save the seals, time is time regardless of mileage, if they are gonna dry and crack it will happen anyway.



Keeping it warmed is way overkill, and won't help anything but using up the element in the block heater.



If you are only gonna run it once a month I think you will be better off to let it sit the whole time. 12 cold dry starts a year will be harder on it than one. I would pull the fuel relay or solenoid power, and crank it over until the oil pressure comes up before my yearly firing up.



Pull the AFE off and put it in a plastic bag if you are worried about it, I doubt it will dry out though.



Fill the tank completely, drop a shot of biocide in it, some conditioner, change the oil, and put it on blocks. Pull the batteries and call it good. If you really want to get overly anal about it you could hit it with some marine fogging oil as you shut it down, but it isn't necessary.

 

[WDaniels]

Kernel,

If I were you I would get ahold of my TMO(Air Force term for transportation) or the Army equivelent if you are in the Army and ask them. Or better yet get ahold of your sponsor over there in Germany and have them help you out. Something tells me that someone is blowing smoke. I have had lots of friends go to Germany and they took their trucks(Ford F-350 Crew cab) and cars. As far as the land of plenty for diesel it is plenty expensive if you are off base. They have coupon booklets and stuff to soften the blow of the of base expense. You get them at the AFEES gas stations. Hope this helps.

WD

 

[Kernel]

Hey guys,



Thanks for the advice. Maybe I am being over protective of my baby, I still got several months before anything actually happens. Since I am single and all, leaving my truck behind is my biggest worry (maybe I can get hardship pay out of it ). This is the price I have to pay to play. Mission First. Keep the ideas and tips coming, PLEASE.



Would putting a oil additive for extended oil changes make a difference, or just fresh Rosmella and filter before each ~yearly start up be good enough?



I thought about calling up the Mitchell's and seeing if I could drop her off for awhile and let them take care of the BOMBing while I'm gone and then pick the truck up in a couple of years .



Thanks for the help.



Scott

 

[CROW]

I would ask Cummins about your storage dilemma. On both a Honda lawn mower engine and a Mercury boat motor, they recommend that you "fog" it if the motor will not be run for 30 days. Few years ago a guy I know came by to borrow a few tools, he was rebuilding an expensive big block that had been previously rebuilt and then placed under a tarp in a barn (wasn't that smart). The cylinder walls had rusted due to moisture in the air. Doesn't appear as though you could "fog" a diesel motor, but Cummins may have something you can put in the fuel or oil. In any event, contacting them may relieve your apprehension. Absent anything conclusive from Cummins, I would vote for having someone run it periodically. Good Luck.

 

[MABurns]

TAKE IT. I thought that a truck in Germany was too big and left mine behind the first time I went to Germany.



NOT TRUE... . yes there are places that it is not the vehicle to have, but they are very few and far between. In those places a Fiat is to big too. Walk in the center of the "old towns" or take a trolley.



Diesel is available at EVERY station to include every AAFES in Europe.



TAKE IT, you will not regret it if you do. I had a 94 RAM with an 8 foot bed over there the last time and will take the crew cab Chevy this time. !!!



The Army and Air Force use the same rules for shipment too, too tall will cost you extra (for shipment), weight and length are not an issue.



US Specs are tighter than German, if it will pass a thorough state inspection here -- it will pass one there.



TAKE IT!

 

[wcaldwell]

Like MABurns said - TAKE IT with you. I was in Naples, Italy for four years with a standard cab long bed '77 Ford and drove that thing anywhere I wanted. There were a couple of times I had to go REAL slow and lean out to make sure I had room - maybe a couple of inches on each side - but I made it. You may scrape the side a couple of times until you learn where the corners are and how big (or small) the hole is you're trying to put it in, but it'll repaint.



TAKE IT and have fun.

 

[big jake 1]

Kernel:



get ahold of this guy, he is retired and living in Aviano Italy as his wife is the administrator of the base hospital there.



They are driving around in a 00 powerstroke crewcab and absolutely no problems.



tell him big jake sent ya!!



his email is



seried@libero. it



his name is DENNY SERIE



he can probably give you tips on how to get it shipped and what to expect when you get there.



I wouldn't want to be without my truck for 36 months, hopefully we can figure out a way for you to continue to use yours





email DENNY and he will for sure help



I just emailed him the thread to this post to let him know whats up.....







good luck



big jake

 

[Kernel]

Thanks for all the info. I figured I will go ahead and call the transpo department and get some more info as well. I wonder if they make medication for the kind of withdrawl I might get .





Scott

 

[MCarver]

Scott,,

Take the truck with you. I had a friend with 98. 5 CTD and he got orders to Germany (Air Force).

He never had a problem there for his tour. (48 Months). I'm leaving for a remote (12 months). Personal choice so I can get back to Alaska. I've been talking with the wife about my truck for the year I'm gone. She'll drive it seldom but only to the commissary.

Not far enough to warm it up. (thermostat) I'm in the same boat but only for the short term.



WD is right. Check the resources out there. Yes, check with your sponsor or call Germany and talk to the

transportation office there.



I always thought we had the tough laws. (safety glass, etc. . )

Germany is the land of the "diesel"!!



Keep us updated





Mike