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tuffr2 · 12-06-2012, 08:01 AM

2012 F-450 will not be used this winter. I expect temps to hit 10 to 15 degrees as night time lows. Should I let the truck sit until spring? Should I just start it once, twice a week, or run it 15 - 20 miles once or twice a week. The oil was changed last week.

KSCRUDE · 12-06-2012, 08:10 AM

They now make stabil for diesel. I might add some of this, but not necessary for a few months. I would fill fuel tank and put a battery tender on it and let it set. No need to start it at all. It will be good as new come spring.

RustyJC · 12-06-2012, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSCRUDE

They now make stabil for diesel. I might add some of this, but not necessary for a few months. I would fill fuel tank and put a battery tender on it and let it set. No need to start it at all. It will be good as new come spring.

+1. Unless you'll be running the truck under load long enough for all systems to come completely up to operating temperatures, you'll do more damage than good by just starting it periodically to run it a few minutes. Water and weak combustion acids are by-products of combustion that are largely driven out when the engine oil comes fully up to temperature; if it doesn't, they just sit in the crankcase and work on the lubricated surfaces. It's better not to run the engine to generate them in the first place if you're not going to "work" it.

Rusty

daveshan · 12-06-2012, 08:15 AM

I've left my F-250 sitting for most of the last 5 winters up here in Durango, lows down to -14ºF. I just change the oil, (Rotella synthetic) add Diesel Kleen white bottle and park it. Once a month or so I'll drive into town to keep batteries charged. Starting and letting the truck idle for a few minutes probably won't be enough to put a full charge back into the batteries, a 20 mile round trip will.

jimcumminsw · 12-06-2012, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

2012 F-450 will not be used this winter. I expect temps to hit 10 to 15 degrees as night time lows. Should I let the truck sit until spring? Should I just start it once, twice a week, or run it 15 - 20 miles once or twice a week. The oil was changed last week.

What does your O&M guide tell you to do if you put the truck in storage for awhile?
Did you read the O&M guide or did you just drive the truck and forget about it?
Jim W.

Ray,IN · 12-06-2012, 09:14 PM

Prior to parking it for extended periods, fill the fuel tanks to the top to greatly reduce condensation in the tank. This condensation can/will cause problems at some point. I agree, use Stabil Diesel fuel conditioner, run the engine long enough to insure treated fuel is through to the injectors. I would dis-connect the batteries and keep them on a battery maintainer inside a heated building if possible.
The tires should be inflated to sidewall maximum to reduce "flat-spotting" during long-term storage.
That said, I once bought an old diesel tractor that was parked in a fence-row for about 4 years. I charged the battery, replaced fuel filters, drained the fuel tank and after allowing the fuel to sit a few days, poured the fuel slowly into another can, leaving the settled water and dirt in the original can. Refilled the fuel tank with that fuel and the tractor started right up after a few revolutions and ran great. It would not be that simple with today's electronic diesel engines though.

wingnut60 · 12-08-2012, 05:00 PM

tuffr2,
I have a better idea--I'll come up there and relieve you of it for the winter and bring it down here to TX where it will be warm, used daily, and never see road salt.
Joe

tuffr2 · 12-09-2012, 06:50 AM

Wingnut60 - I would do this if the truck had a few dings but at this point I will keep it parked in the driveway...but thanks for the offer.

caissiel · 12-10-2012, 08:56 PM

I park 3 cars over winter down to -30f and start them up after 6 months. Tanks kept low for new fuel space in spring and batteries disconnected at ground only. Never need boost in 7 yrs.
My friend does the same with his 6.0L DSL Ford.

Mr_D · 12-10-2012, 09:01 PM

Cummins says not to bother starting a diesel unless you're going to drive it for at least 30 miles at highway speeds. They also say to fill the fuel tank to alleviate collecting condensation and change the oil to get rid of the acid forming contaminates just before storage.
Seems like good advice for any brand.