D-max In Storage

Sir Dan · February 8, 2011

My dad put his '07 Dmax into storage last fall as they snowbirded to florida for the first time. My question is what steps should be taken to make sure he doesn't have trouble this spring. He did take both batteries out and took them inside where it's warm, but that's about it. Anything he should be concerned about either this spring or something more that should be done next fall? He lives in No. Dakota so it gets really cold in the garage. Thanks for any input.

music · February 8, 2011

My own experience is that "mothballing" a vehicle is a bad idea. I try to drive every vehicle we have at least once per month... usually every week. Keeps seals lubricated. I let an Accord sit for over 6-months, while I did some work to it, and even cranked/started some. The brake fluid varnished in the ABS pump and locked it up (had to tear down/clean), blew out a balance shaft seal within 100 miles, and leaked around the valve cover. Never again...

ChevyTech77 · February 8, 2011

My dad put his '07 Dmax into storage last fall as they snowbirded to florida for the first time. My question is what steps should be taken to make sure he doesn't have trouble this spring. He did take both batteries out and took them inside where it's warm, but that's about it. Anything he should be concerned about either this spring or something more that should be done next fall? He lives in No. Dakota so it gets really cold in the garage. Thanks for any input.

It will be fine, as is.

Sir Dan · February 8, 2011

Yeah, starting it up and driving periodically would be best, but it's not practical for him. I just wanted to know if there is anything else to watch out for with the diesel engine leaving it sit. Obviously, I would change the oil and check the antifreeze strength, but does the diesel need any additive like a stabilizer? Ive heard some people block up the axles to save on the tires...

topdj · February 8, 2011

tell him to give you the key and you can drive it

ChevyTech77 · February 8, 2011

Yeah, starting it up and driving periodically would be best, but it's not practical for him. I just wanted to know if there is anything else to watch out for with the diesel engine leaving it sit. Obviously, I would change the oil and check the antifreeze strength, but does the diesel need any additive like a stabilizer? Ive heard some people block up the axles to save on the tires...

Yes, forgot about that. Get some Power Service fuel additive/cleaner with Cetane boost. Silver colored bottle. Just in case some fungus has started to grow in the tank. He probably should have treated it before he left it. Hopefully if it does have fungus, the Power Service can clean it all out. Might have to replace the fuel filter, before trying to start it, also due to fuel being left untreated in the cold weather.

Riverjet502 · February 8, 2011

My 04 3500 has never seen a winter. Sits proudly hibernating in the garage from mid oct to mid apr. Still using the original battery. I will either start it or throw the charger on at least once a month. Last year I did pull the battery out for the first time. The only thing that I had trouble with when I re-installed the battery was the doors on the climate control were all screwy when I started the truck up. I had to re-set the body control modual. I did a search on this site at that time and found out that others had the same issue who pulled the battery for any length of time and did a hard discharge on the system. Did it myself pretty easy to do..

becker87 · February 9, 2011

Where is he located in ND? I could go over there and take her for a spin and let her warm up!

Shaners · February 9, 2011

Diesel boats sit all winter with no problems.

Diesail · February 9, 2011

Diesel boats sit all winter with no problems.

Yep, got one with about 2500 hours on it and have never done anything but jump on in the spring and turn the key.

Put the batteries in and charge them. Turn the key and start, idle long enough to move the oil and warm up a bit. And then forget about, people worry to much.

Silverado4x4 · February 9, 2011

Dont worry about it, think of it this way vehicles including Diesel's sit on dealer lots for a long time before sold sometimes. I wouldnt pull the batteries out though. You could hook the batteries up to a trickel charger and leave it plugged in.