Storing my truck for a year

[softballnrd27]

What do I need to do in order to prepare my truck to be stored for a year? The motor will get replaced when I get back but I don't want it to seize up and I am going to rebuild the tranny before I put behind the 6.0l. It will be in my garage probably on jack stands so the tires don't go flat or out of round.

[3r!c84]

Originally Posted by softballnrd27

What do I need to do in order to prepare my truck to be stored for a year? The motor will get replaced when I get back but I don't want it to seize up and I am going to rebuild the tranny before I put behind the 6.0l. It will be in my garage probably on jack stands so the tires don't go flat or out of round.

put staybil in the fuel tank. un hook the battery.

[engineco713]

Originally Posted by 3r!c84

put staybil in the fuel tank. un hook the battery.

I saw an article once that said to drain all the fluids, spray the carb with WD-40 until it dies out and it said to do something to the hoses and belts but I can't remember now. It was pretty much like putting away a boat for the winter. You might be able to google that and find out more info. I found this.....


1. Wash the car thoroughly to remove any salt residue that may have accumulated from the roads and to remove any dirt from the paint. Clean and vacuum the inside of the car to remove any food that might attract pests.

2. Park the vehicle in a sealed environment like a closed shop, storage unit or garage.

3. Drain the oil, gas and cooling fluids with wrenches and a drain pan. All these fluids will break down when sitting for a long time and cause rust inside crucial car components.

4. Disconnect the battery cables from the car battery with pliers.

5. Jack the car up and place jack stands under each axle. This helps keep the weight off the tires and prevents dry rot.

6. Buy a car tarp or cover and snugly fit it over the entire car.

7. Place moth balls around the outside of the vehicle to deter rodents.

[allengator]

I disagree with draining all the fluids....
Year old oil has to be better than moisture in the air...

[engineco713]

Originally Posted by allengator

I disagree with draining all the fluids....
Year old oil has to be better than moisture in the air...

I thought the same thing.....rather have old oil between the metal then nothing.

[LostMy65]

I would use a car cover rather than a tarp.
Especially if you're not sure all traces of moisture are out of every nook and cranny of the vehicle. A tarp will trap moisture under.

I had an idea recently, but I don't know if it is a good one or not.
I wonder how house wrap, similar to tyvek, would work?
Tyvek allows moisture vapor to escape but doesn't allow moisture in.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by allengator

I disagree with draining all the fluids....
Year old oil has to be better than moisture in the air...

I thought that also.

Depending on the last time I changed the oil, I might change it out, and then run the vehicle long enough to coat the parts with the fresh oil.

[TeXaS 86 C10]

id keep the oil in it now during storage time but definitely change out the old oil when you are done storing and before starting back up

[2002on22s]

When I stored mine for a year I did all of the mentioned above, minus the car cover. Another thing you might consider is a paper plate filled w/ Arm & Hammer “baking soda”…..supposed to draw the moisture out of the air & helps keep the chance of mold down & from getting that musty smell, the plate’s usually placed somewhere in the floorboard area. I also capped my exhaust, but if you do that just remember to keep a “to-do” list inside the truck somewhere of everything you did so you don’t forget to undo anything.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by 2002on22s

Another thing you might consider is a paper plate filled w/ Arm & Hammer “baking soda”…..supposed to draw the moisture out of the air & helps keep the chance of mold down & from getting that musty smell, the plate’s usually placed somewhere in the floorboard area.

Great idea.

[pinecrest]

I've read for winterizing boats, it's recommended to keep the gas tank FULL and stabilize it to reduce/eliminate condensation of water.

[LostMy65]

I'm thinking I wouldn't drain the radiator either.
Once the water is out of the block, it now can breath oxygen which may allow for rust.
I would fill it all the way with antifreeze, and then, when I pulled it out of storage, possibly drain and add fresh.

[2002on22s]

I've always heard it's best to change the fluids right before a long storage, but never to drain & NOT re-fill.....having no oil/antifreeze in the block makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever & I cannot think of what you'd be gaining by doing that. I'd never do it & I wouldn't recommend doing it either, but it's your truck & your decision I suppose.

[lilpoindexter]

Do it up with the moth balls, I think rats making a hotel out of your truck is the worst thing that could possibly happen.