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19:22:12 - 04/18/2024
General Dakota Board
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NavyGuy
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2003
18:36:49
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 Subject: LONG TERM STORAGE
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I am a Navy guy being sent overseas for 18-24 months and will be storing my Dak in my brother's barn. Aside from the truck cover and disconnecting the battery, is there anything else I should do to keep her safe?
Thanks.
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b1llyw
DakotaEnthusiast
 
7/09/2003
20:26:27
|  RE: LONG TERM STORAGE
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Message:
I'd put her up on jackstands so you don't flatspot the tires.
Bill White
2002 QC 4x4, SLT , 4.7, 5 spd, 3.92 LSD
1995 CC 4x2, SLT, 318, 5 spd, 3.55 LSD
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diaedy
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2003
20:36:27
| RE: LONG TERM STORAGE
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pull the plugs and squirt some rislone into the cylinders an then reinstall plugs. Also maybe run the fuel out of system if possible so as not to varnish up.
Eddy Crook
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HotRodSRJ
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2003
21:17:05
|  RE: LONG TERM STORAGE
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First, thanks for serving your country! I truly appreciate your sacrifices. I have a daughter going to OCS next year, so I know someone will be missing YOU because we will miss her. I wish you a safe trip!
I store hotrods and muscle cars all at 6 months to 12 months all the time. There is alot you can do to keep corrosion away and things in good shape, in fact almost new if you are willing to work at it. I am assuming that you are NOT going to let someone get the truck out every few months to oil it up! And, make a list of everything you do so you can go back over it to reverse the work. Trust me, you will be glad you did.
First, prepare the finish with a good wax job. Prepare the interior appropriately as well. Get all the foreign materials off. Spray the tires with a good preservative. Taking a load off the tires is a good idea (I would do it because the tires will lose about 2psi per month anywho..therefore it will be sitting practially on the ground.) but not necessary with modern tires for periods less than a year let say. Flat spots can form but readily disappear.
Make sure the cooling system coolant is fresh. Coolants that are old can precipatate out by-products to form radiator plugging goop! Fresh coolant of 50/50 mix assures this does not happen. Also, change your oil to synthetic. Synthetics are far more stable that dinojuices and will not collect moisture.
Next, take the battery OUT! The battery will NOT keep it's charge anywho and you do not want to risk freezing etc. I would sell the battery and get anew one on my return. The old one will be almost useless if not used or charged from time to time.
Next, drain the gas tank and run it dry. Get as much fuel out of it as you can. Gasoline only has a maximum shelf life of several months...even with preservatives. Let the tank airout for a couple of days then close the cap.
I would take the plugs out and use a spray can of light machine oil and spray the cylinders liberally. Crank with starter several times with sparkplugs removed. You can buy desiccant storage plugs that absorb moisture if you want. If you do a good job of sealing the bag and using the dessicant like you should then I would skip the special plugs. Just reinsert your plugs as normal.
Seal the exhaust and intake systems with plastic bags and duct tape. Again, a moisture preventor.
Next, don't just use a car cover but buy a carbag too! put it over the cover. This is literally a ziplock storage bag for cars/trucks. Go to www.truckbag.com for ideas. Use the desiccant bags and protect it against moisture....a huge enemy. Throw some desiccant bags inside the cab too. Also the bag does not let ozone enter and degrade your tires and other rubber. I would suggest regular inspection for vermin that might want to penetrate the perimeter such as mice or insects. Only use insecticide outside the bag. You can put mousetraps on the floor of the bag.
When you get back, all is well. Just get the list out, unwrap all, add gasoline, a new battery, inflate tires, and if you are anal retentive like I am, I take my distributor out and prime the oiling circuit by spinning the oil pump with a drill and tool to bring oil pressure up. If you are a bit less AR than I am, then use the starter to turn over until pressure shows on the gauge( without the ignition wire attached) and go. Let warm up for 10 minutes before driving. Add a can of BK chemtool to the fuel system.
Good luck with your project and trip. We all will be thinking of you here.
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