well im off so school tomarrow and i wont be home for about a year which means the lx450 wont be driven so what the best way to do this. should i leave a full tank of gass or leave no gas? anything you guys can think of?
well im off so school tomarrow and i wont be home for about a year which means the lx450 wont be driven so what the best way to do this. should i leave a full tank of gass or leave no gas? anything you guys can think of?
Its always better to leave a full tank of gas and add some fuel stabilizer prior to filling up. To really long term store, IMO, you should also change the oil and filter first, disconnect the batt, wash and dry the vehicle and let the vehicle sit in the sun for a few days first before putting it in the garage, remove floor mats to avoid condensation between them and the carpet, ohh and junk's gonna love this...slather all leather surfaces with leatherique but dont clean it off just let it form a protective seal. If you can only do one thing though, fill the tank and use the fuel stabilizer; you dont want a half full tank of gas as the top half of air will cause cycles of condensation causing water to get in the gas and also the top half of air will constantly 'attack' the gas causing the gas to deteriorate. HTH
Regardless, throw the correct amount of gas stabalizer in the tank.
Leave the oil in it, but do a full change before you drive it upon returning. Go buy 4 jackstands and put them under the axles to keep weight on the suspension but off of the tires.
It would be wise if you could have a buddy or family member start it up and let it run for at least 15 minutes a week.
I've also heard that it's a good idea to disconnect the battery if you're going to let it sit that long. (if someone isn't going to be starting it every week, and you let it sit for a full year).
Best thing is to have someone take it out to excercise at least 2-3 times a month, a 15 min drive will suffice as it will bring all fluids, exhaust,hoses,greases, etc at operating temperatures and will dissipate any condensation the truck might have.
Drivetrain components will also benefit from the "excercise", I have seen vehicles go bad and start with problems when not used for a long time.
I believe there is something you can hook up to the battery that always keeps it 'moving'. I believe it takes away its charge, puts it back, takes it away, puts it back, etc. Until you disconnect it. The F0rd Ranger has always started up. We only use it in the summer.
Full fuel tank with marine grade fuel stabilizer such as Mercury marine offers. Be sure to run the engine with the mixed fuel in it long enough to get that fuel completely through the system. Antifreeze up to the task and disconnect the battery if nobody will be available to operate the vehicle on occasion. Cont on the possibility of having to replace the battery upon your return.
Battery Tender. I have one on the boat, its waterproof. I am gonna pick up a few for some of the cruisers that dont get out in the winter.
Cruiser Newb said:
I believe there is something you can hook up to the battery that always keeps it 'moving'. I believe it takes away its charge, puts it back, takes it away, puts it back, etc. Until you disconnect it. The F0rd Ranger has always started up. We only use it in the summer.
Definetly throw a trickle charger of some kind (like mentioned)on it whether you disconnect it or not. They're cheaper than the battery.
Are there mice where you live? If no one is going to be starting it for you you might wanna consider plugging the exhaust pipe and intake. Any other areas they might be able to get into also.
Make a list of what you will need to do to get it running again and tape it to the inside of the windshield before you go. That way it's all fresh in yer head and you don't have to think "What did I forget?"
Radials DO flatspot when sitting for a long time and don't like to *unflatspot*. Taking the weight off the tires is a really good idea too. ( already mentioned, but, needs repeating)
If I were going to leave it for a year I would also put the axles up on jack stands. I came back from school once and had horrible flat spots on the tires that never fully worked out.
Fax
Just read the rest of the posts, duh, yeah, what they said...
In dealing with airplanes, we're always told to top off the tank before leaving overnight in order to elliminate the possibility of condensation on the inside of the tank, and moisture in the fuel. Don't know if the same would apply to a vehicle with a somewhat negatively pressurized tank.
Mike just put the keys on top of the tire. We will come up from time to time and run it around the block. Go ahead and set the key out now and I'll come by Friday and take to Crown King Saturday. No need to thank us...no problem anything for a fellow Cruiser.
Phil
PS have fun at school and we will have fun in the LX
On my boat, I'm supposed to spray a preservative oil special stuff into the intake until it stalls, thus coating everything in there with anticorrosion stuff. Do this, plus full gas, fresh oils and go get smart enough that you can make money so next year you pay someone else to do it. I'd also disconnect the battery completely, put mothballs all around all four wheels to keep mice away, and get it indoors. Lift weight off the tires if possible. Get the marine engine fogging stuff at any West Marine.
Great advice from a guy who simply parked his 71 LeMans Sport for 7 years. Came back with dire predictions and a spare battery and one can of starting fluid. Vooom. Drove off 10 minutes later and filled up with fresh premium. Yawner.
