i am getting deployed later this year and i am wondering what are some things i have to do to keep my truck in good mechanical condition while in storage.... cause i know if i let it sit for a year stuff would rust and seals would dry out... so im pretty much confused on how to keep it stored....

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bump

 

Put it on blocks to save the tires

 

bunp

 

Run it low on fuel and fill it up with fresh diesel. I like to store them on a full tank since that leaves very little empty tank air space for condensation moisture issues.
Treat your fuel with a biocide and run it to get the algae killer in your entire fuel system. Power Service BioKleen is a good biocide.
Note that BioKleen is a very different product from their Diesel Kleen. You want the BioKleen. Treating with a good detergent additive like DieselKleen or AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate or something similar is a good idea in addition to the biocide.

Also do a fresh oil change right before you store it. Old oil during storage doesn't protect the engine against corrosion as well as new oil. Personally I'd store it with a top quality synthetic, but at the very least give it a fresh oil change and new filter before storage.

If you like your tires, it is a good idea to take the weight off them for periods of long storage. Jack the truck up on jack stands or blocks so the weight is off the tires. Air the tires down to 5 psi. This will prevent flat-siding the tires and is just a good idea for long term storage.

I'd also put the batteries on a very low amp trickle charge during storage to keep them happy.

Before you start it up after storage, look everywhere for any critter nests under the hood. Open the airbox and check for nests. Inspect the air filter for chewing damage. Mint tea is one thing that mice can't stand. It works, look it up online. Buy some mint tea bags and leave them in the interior and under the hood. It is a cheap way to perhaps deter mice from making your truck a winter home. Sounds like lunacy but it works.

I'm sure others will add their advice.

Also if you don't mind me asking, where are you getting deployed to?

 

thanks for the info... it is very helpful

i am gettin deployed to Kosavo as part of KFOR-12... estimated ship date is early august and be gone for 12 - 13 months

 

I would say I'd fly up there and drive it back...let it enjoy this good Florida weather...

Get some bars of Irish spring body soap...wet em and stick em to the frame rails under the engine...put a few in like a soap dish on top of the engine. Rats and other small animals that like to chew can't stand the smell of the soap...

Then again, like I said, you could always let me drive it.

 

haha i dont see a cummins guy drivin a duramax

 

Ill take any diesel over any gasser anyday , Yes if both where sitting there with keys in them i would pick the vw rabbit diesel over any gas ricer

Muscle cars well thats a little different

 

Fun Fun, I had a lot of fun in Bosnia & Kosovo,

 

Somehow I'd deal with driving a pretty much new duramax....