Prep work for a vehicle that's been in storage?

Nuttydriver · Post by **Nuttydriver** » 06 Dec 2011, 19:01

Hey guys, since this is the most active car forum that I am a member of I figured I'd ask you. I've had my 99 Dakota in storage since 2008. It's not a practical daily driver and was put on the back burner for a while. I start the truck and drive it around the block every couple of months and was wondering if I should have to check or do anything specific before I get it ready to go again. I plan on putting new tires and brakes on it and changing the oil. Any other suggestions? Thanks

Nutty

Nuttydriver · Post by **Nuttydriver** » 06 Dec 2011, 19:32

If your asking how it's not practical they say a picture is worth a thousand words so…

Post by **JDS60R** » 06 Dec 2011, 20:21

Change every fluid in the car.
Check the hoses and belts for signs of failure.
Clean electrical terminals and make sure battery is up to charge.
Use clean fuel and run 4oz to 10gallon of marvel mystery oil for the first tank of gas.

Nuttydriver · Post by **Nuttydriver** » 06 Dec 2011, 20:41

About 6 months before I parked it I changed the oil in the rear and transmission. Didn't even think about the coolant so I'll add that to the list. Does power steering fluid actually go bad over time? I've had staybil in the gas tank since I parked it. Does the marvel mystery oil just clean up the fuel system?

Post by **JDS60R** » 06 Dec 2011, 20:47

Good to add it to the list.
Yes ps goes bad and Yes it helps lube and clean

Grease up any joints that have a zerk fitting

Nuttydriver · Post by **Nuttydriver** » 06 Dec 2011, 20:51

Alright thanks I've got everything greased up pretty good. I put a little extra in right before it was stored. I've also kept everything covered with wd-40 after I took it out to help prevent rust and bushings from drying out.

Post by **JDS60R** » 06 Dec 2011, 21:02

Try not to use wd on the bushings - it degrades the rubber. Use syl-glyde or 100% silicone spray paste.

Good luck with lighting her up and having it roaring around again.

Post by **fazool** » 07 Dec 2011, 06:44

Sitting unused may lead to a couple issues:

- Condensation might accumulate where it would be cooked off with occasional running. Usually this isn't a problem except some minor surface corrosion, but it can accumulate in the oils where it will degrade the fluids. I would suggest an oil and tranny fluid change.

- Rubber may get some dry rot and become brittle simply from age. Check hoses, etc.

- Some rubber seats may take a bit of a "set" under long term load. Essentially the elastomer deforms under load and after a very long time relaxes toward the new shape. This could cause some clunky bushings (unlike simply worn). Spring seats etc may have a biut of this.

- greased areas will have accumulated and collected airborn dust and gotten gummy and need cleaning and a relube. Look at arease like door hinges and latches.

- Some corrosion may build up on electric motors. This normally is worn off during operation. Motors may run rough but running them will clean them up. Its like the thin rust layer on a set of brake rotors after a rainstorm. A short drive cleans them up.

- Air shocks/supports/struts may lose some charge.

- AC should be checked for recharge levels.

- Fuel tank should be run dry refilled then run out again, THEN the fuel filter changed to remove sedimentary and preciptated deposits.

- Electrical switches sockets and knobs may have some light corrosion on them. A can of electrical contact cleaner may help.

Good luck

Nuttydriver · Post by **Nuttydriver** » 07 Dec 2011, 08:34

Thanks for all the good suggestions guys. There is a lot I didn't really consider. I appreciate all your help as always.