Husband In Iraq - HELP re: Power Stroke Diesel Storage

[fortrich_brooke]

I have been trying to get answers regarding the storage of my husband's truck while he is in Iraq.
Situation:
We are in Alaska. Currently I have the truck parked in the garage with 1/2 tank of gas and have been starting it once a month.
My husband purchased this truck recently and I have no idea if this is the best way to store the vehicle.
He suggested I do the above method.
HOWEVER, I would like to know what is BEST for the truck.
It was suggested for me to park it outside. Take out the batteries and add fuel stabilizer . Keep it parked until spring.
I was also told NOT to start it if I am leaving in the garage because it doesn't warm up totally and will do more damage.
I also have been told the stabilizer is bad for the truck.
I WOULD LOVE to park it outside if that's an option so I can use the garage since we ARE in Alaska and it's -20 degrees.
However, if my husband's truck will not start in the spring, I'll be in BIG trouble! lol
HELP HELP HELP!
Thanks, Brooke

[smokin'stroke]

Welcome and someone should be able to help you soon!! I have never lived anywhere near that cold so I can't help you with that but there is alot of people here and I am sure you will get an answer soon!!

[mschn99]

if you are not planning on driving it......

Take the batteries out and put them inside a place that stays at least 40 degrees.....its a good idea to put a charger on low on them once a month or so for a few hours......if the whole truck is going to be in a warm place just disconnect the battery cables....(if its gonna be in the garage) but still maintain the charge in them periodically

The only other thing i would really do is go down and fill it up all the way. The fuller the tank the less chance for condensation (water) to get in the tank and cause problems down the road....other than that it should be just fine......

[bigcountrysg]

I think the best way to store the truck is this. If you can leave it in the garage, dirve it once a week as in when you go do your errands. I call this partial storage. It is the best thing to do. When you start it up let it warm up outside. Drive it around town a little bit. Bring it back home and park it until the following week. This is what my dad did with my truck for 9 months while I was gone. Or you can leave the batteries in it, park it outside covered up. Drive at least once a Month and the truck will be fine. As for complete storage, check all fluids, make sure that the coolant is strong enough and won't freeze over winter. jack the vehicle up and put it on jackstands, put decon inside the truck so no mice tear up the interior. You can just put the boxes of decon in there and have them open on the floor boards don't sprinkle it around. Pull the batteries out or disconnect them. If he is gone for any length of time I say over a year he will most likely need new batteries anyways. I would take the air cleaner out and put a box of decon in the air box. Just tag the air cleaner cover with a note stating do not start decon in air cleaner box remove before starting. I would post that on the air cleaner and on the steering wheel as well. Just to remind you. I would take a piece of cardboard and cover the grill to block any wind from blowing into the radiator and causing the coolant to freeze. I would take masking tape and tape the doors shut. remember this mice can squezze through a hole the size of a dime. After all that is done cover it up with a truck cover that you can get from an autoparts store. Just make sure it is big enough to cover the whole truck. I am sorry for the long reply but there is alot of info in there. I forgot one thing do not add sta-bil to the fuel tank go to the autoparts store and get diesel fuel additive. Basically all you need is an anti-gelling additive. I wish you and your family the best of luck.

[bigcountrysg]

Hey Marc I guess I went kinda over board with my way of storing it. But then again I have seen vehicles destroyed by mice that have been parked for a few months.

[Clay Henry]

Originally Posted by bigcountrysg

Hey Marc I guess I went kinda over board with my way of storing it. But then again I have seen vehicles destroyed by mice that have been parked for a few months.

dude, she said it was -20*f....i really dont' think mice are going to be an issue....lol

[mschn99]

Originally Posted by bigcountrysg

Hey Marc I guess I went kinda over board with my way of storing it. But then again I have seen vehicles destroyed by mice that have been parked for a few months.

its amazing what mice get into and do...even in the cold....doing things to keep them out isnt a bad idea.....

Anti-gel also is a good idea.....but a full tank also is important due to possible condensation

Checking the coolant for temp and PH is a good idea though, glad you brought that up!!

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Last edited by mschn99 : 11-25-2006 at 08:22 PM.

[mschn99]

sounds like for your situation.......the best thing to figure on is fill the tank and add an anti-gel additive. Just plan on having to put a couple batteries in it next spring although you may get lucky.....other than that you will problably be just fine parking it as is....

[djsdiesel]

not trying to be a smart@$$ but make sure you fill the tank with diesel not gas or you'll really be in trouble when he gets back!

[Clay Henry]

It would be best if you would take it out once a week or so and get er out on the highway and drive it.