How long do you let your 200 sit without running the engine or driving it? (1 Viewer)

[kcjaz]

My 200 is now an "adventure only" vehicle and mostly "dry docked" in the winter in my shop. Generally, I'm able to take it out for a spin every few weeks but for several reasons, over the last couple months, I haven't been able to get her out for a drive in about 6 or 7 weeks. I had too many partially started projects going on at once that I just didn't want to pause just so I could drive her for an hour. I used to occasionally, at least start the engine and let it run at idle until warm but I've stopped going that doesn't really get everything up to operating temp, and probable just fills my exhaust with condensation that doesn't really evaporate. I'm afraid doing that is probably worse that not running it at all for a couple months.

I keep at trickle charger on all the time, and I run Stable in the gas (if I remember, which isn't always) but other than that is there something I should do? Should I keep the fuel tanks full to limit condensation? They say to do that with boats and I have but I've also not done that and never had an issue.

I'd say, 2 months is probably the max she would ever sit. I can't see that 2 months parked is any big deal but curious if there is something else I should do. My 5.7L volvo in my boat sits all winter and starts and runs like a champ every spring. I used to meticulously fog the engine every fall by spraying fogging oil into the intake until I killed the moter and then I'd pull each spark plug and spray in more fogging oil. I haven't done that in many years though (got lazy) and it all seems fine. I wouldn't dare fog the 200 due to all the emissions and other sensors.

 

[ryanCA]

We have a 200 in a northern property that sits 11 months a year.

I use Stabil in my sports car, but not in my 200. Trickle charger and once a year oil change is all we do (which is over kill for that truck).

I keep everything fullly fueled, that are sitting.

 

[bloc]

Maybe consider ethanol-free fuel if you know it'll be parked for a while?

 

[OregonLC]

You shouldn't need fuel stablizer for just a few months. I've not heard of condensation problems with partial tanks on the 200, though a full tank is commonly suggested. Though with a low tank you can fill upon next use to dilute any soured fuel. And aside from using a battery tender keeping the parasitic draw from giving you a flat battery you should be good mechanically.

The other item to consider is critters. Depending on where you live you could end up with an adopted family in the vee or elsewhere.

 

[bloc]

Though with a low tank you can fill upon next use to dilute any soured fuel.

That was something I considered as well.

Is condensation even a thing on modern vapor-controlled tanks? Older vehicles were just vented to atmosphere so they "breathed" with temperature changes. Totally makes sense those would never really stop forming condensation.

 

[OregonLC]

That was something I considered as well.

Is condensation even a thing on modern vapor-controlled tanks? Older vehicles were just vented to atmosphere so they "breathed" with temperature changes. Totally makes sense those would never really stop forming condensation.

Great question. That the vapor is trapped in the charcoal and that no atmosphere is let in are two different things though? As fuel burns is it replaced by vapor or atmosphere?

 

[bloc]

Great question. That the vapor is trapped in the charcoal and that no atmosphere is let in are two different things though? As fuel burns is it replaced by vapor or atmosphere?

I'm not sure, but I do believe the little pump that runs back there is used both to test the integrity of the evap system and to apply mild pressure to the tank to hold back additional vapor production.

Probably worth further research.

 

[gasman4u]

I think the EVAP system to a point does create a pressurized system (to limit or) to elminate evaporative loss. I think this should (hopefully) minimize any entrainment of the ambient air which may or may not have more water vapor than that of the air in the fuel tank/lines. Makes sense to my smooth brain anyways. But I'm SinPul.

 

[OregonLC]

But... where would the pressurization come from if not atmosphere? If it's adding volume to pressurize?

 

[bloc]

But... where would the pressurization come from if not atmosphere? If it's adding volume to pressurize?

I believe the fuel itself, as vapors are produced. That only stops when the pressure above the fuel gets high enough.

All of this depends on the temperature of the fuel though.

 

[kcjaz]

delete this post

 

[kcjaz]

But... where would the pressurization come from if not atmosphere? If it's adding volume to pressurize?

exactly (I think). It seems to me that the evap system is only trying to not let the gasoline vapor leave and go to atmosphere. Air has to be drawn into the fuel tank as liquid is pumped out. If this didn't happen, the tank would crush under vacuum. Sure a tank could be designed for full vacuum but I don't think fuel tanks in cars are designed that way. I think the evap system is controlling the pressure so that the vapor is directed through the charcoal canister which adsorbs the vapor to later release it into combustion. Essentially, it is just filtering out the vapor from the air.

Edit:I tried pasting in a generic evap system diagram to show the air in and out but the server won't let me do it at moment for some reason.

 

[kcjaz]

This is what I was trying to post above. Was getting a server error. Had to log out and go back in.

 

[kcjaz]

Sorry for the staggered posts. My computer is really acting up.

There are other threads on how the evap system works. The main point here is that I do think gas tank condensation is a much lesser concern because the system is "sealed" by use of the evap system valves compared to the old days when a gas tank was essentially open air vented all the time.

 

[ryanCA]

The other item to consider is critters. Depending on where you live you could end up with an adopted family in the vee or elsewhere.

We do dryer sheets in all of the vehicles that sit ... that has been our best way to keep critters out. Having a very sealed building, with no type of food also helps

 

[kcjaz]

We do dryer sheets in all of the vehicles that sit ... that has been our best way to keep critters out. Having a very sealed building, with no type of food also helps

I've not had any issue with rodents (the only food in the shop is beer). I do find large black snake skins in the building from time to time and they may be keeping the rodents in check...

 

[ryanCA]

I've not had any issue with rodents (the only food in the shop is beer). I do find large black snake skins in the building from time to time and they may be keeping the rodents in check...

We got goats to keep rodents in check.. best investment so far...

We sell them to the local Sudanese who eat them or the people who come to rent for Goat Yoga (250 LC owners)

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Long term storage. Start once a week, allow to run for 5-10 mins. Drive at least once a month. Battery on maintainer.



Land Cruisers are resilient beasts. We’ve had some (yes even late model EFI stuff) sitting in the LCHM for the better part of a decade and they surprisingly still fire up and run/drive within reason… most needing nothing more than a jump pack or battery. That will change as they age, fuel will go completely bad. Oil will eventually leak completely out of some. One must decide if they are trying to preserve it as an educational example or an operational asset.

 

[pcut]

Long term storage. Start once a week, allow to run for 5-10 mins. Drive at least once a month. Battery on maintainer.



Land Cruisers are resilient beasts. We’ve had some (yes even late model EFI stuff) sitting in the LCHM for the better part of a decade and they surprisingly still fire up and run/drive within reason… most needing nothing more than a jump pack or battery. That will change as they age, fuel will go completely bad. Oil will eventually leak completely out of some. One must decide if they are trying to preserve it as an educational example or an operational asset.

WOW Kurt- "...operational asset...". You've come a long way from backing finished trucks out onto 13th East!!!!
Congratulations and keep up the great input for all of us on this great forum.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

WOW Kurt- "...operational asset...". You've come a long way from backing finished trucks out onto 13th East!!!!
Congratulations and keep up the great input for all of us on this great forum.

Those days were highlights in my life

I still pull personal Cruisers in and out of that shop. Sadly 13th is getting busier and busier. Hope you're well.