So, basically I have come across a early 80's chevy dually single cab with a 6.2 in it. The truck has sat in a barn/garage for at least four years more or less without being tuoched. As it is now there is a suppose electrical problem and nothing else. I would ask the owner what is wrong with it but he passed away in a motorcycle accident 4 years ago. I am a chevy guy and love the stance of this dually and am excited to get working on it however..... I am a newbie to diesels.

Because the truck has sat soo long what things do I need to do before trying to fire it up. I kinda know about changing oil and filters but what else. Any help would be great, thanks guys.

 

1) I would pump what ever fuel left in it first thing and flush all fuel lines clean the tank

2) make sure glow plug system is working right

3) change all filter , air ,oil, and fuel and also when at make sure no rats nest build up in air/intake ducting

4) before starting with key try turning with breaker bar on the front pulley try get some oil up on the bearing since been setting so long

 

Thank you very much, Your post was quite helpful

 

Mine sat for four years as well. Listen to what Crazy said, that'll get you on the right track. If it gives you trouble starting, deal with it. DO NOT, I say again, DO NOT USE STARTING FLUIDS!!! Diesels operate via highly compressed fuel beeing sprayed (atomized) into a cylinder where highly compressed air produces heat and therefore combustion. Any variation upon this will give you trouble. Also, our engines use a fuel return system that needs to be able to flow unrestricted. Actually, the shutting down of the engine is done via stopping this flow. Focus on what crazy said first. When you get it running, post a vid. If it runs fine, you'll feel incredibly victorious (trust me on this one). If you're having trouble (bad idle, smoke, etc.) then we'll be able to help diagnose the problem.


Also, our 6.2s aren't the biggest fans of ULSD. When you do fuel it up, toss in your favorite additive. The process of removing sulfur from diesel also takes out a lot of the lubricating properties, what give diesels their longevity. I use 2 cycle oil at a 200:1 ratio at each fill up (16oz in a 31 gallon tank is about right).