truck sat for 3+ yrs...now what - Diesel Forum

PnrFab · 10-01-2005, 02:34 PM

1990 f250 2wd auto 30k on it, sat for at least 3yrs was an company truck, stopped working (really vague not sure why) but company wanted a newer truck so decommissioned it vs. fixing, i picked it up for $100. question i have is what should be some of the first things i do before trying to crank her to diagnose the problem (to find the reason it was decommissioned) clean out fuel tanks, change oil...what else...thx guys

-josh

tim94f250 · 10-01-2005, 02:40 PM

I'd ask around the workplace. There must be someone there that knows what was going on with the truck. You got a steal for $100.

BuilderBob · 10-01-2005, 03:11 PM

I would not use the fuel tanks, start the truck by feed it from a small container, hose it to the lift pump. Get the truck started then evaluate the factory tanks. Just trying to take the puzzle apart piece by piece.
2 batteries will be required, either new or from a good source.
Fuel filter replacement, using PowerServe.
Bar the engine over by hand to make sure there is no hydro-lock.
I will be flamed for this but, How about a shot of oil in the GP holes, just to lube the cylinders?.

Good Luck

yaric008 · 10-01-2005, 03:57 PM

oil in the cylinders might be bad news. Maybe like 1 drop but nothing more.

With only 30k miles on it, it must not be in bad shape.

Mr_Roboto · 10-01-2005, 05:53 PM

Generally an older commercial truck with low mileage will be wooped. The reason is that the truck will have likely been used off-road and at low speeds. So it has low "miles" but very high working "hours". Plus when vehicles don't show miles, maintenance tends to be neglected. Let's see, 30K in 15 years, that's all of 6 oil changes by mileage...

Now. let's hope that this truck is different, and just wasn't used much.

h2odrx · 10-01-2005, 11:33 PM

[ QUOTE ]
i picked it up for $100.

[/ QUOTE ]

that is the kind of deals i like to find! if you want to sell it i'll give you $1100 for it!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

Shaffer · 10-02-2005, 01:36 AM

Change ALL fluids (including brake fluid, coolant, etc). Change ALL filters. Drain out old fuel and dispose of. Probably not a bad idea to remove fuel tank and have steam cleaned and thorougly inspected before re-using. Lube all grease fittings and anything else that is lube-able. Start up and observe. If all seems well, use for short trips at first, and be vigilant for any sign of trouble. Expect various seals and gaskets to be bad or to start leaking in short order. Metal parts should be ok. As someone else mentioned, you will very likely (almost certainly) need new batteries. Also check tires, belts, and hoses for signs of rot.

That much being said-a hundred bucks!? Did you wear a mask, 'cause you STOLE that truck [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

OkieGringo · 10-02-2005, 02:39 AM

[ QUOTE ]
1990 f250 2wd auto <font color="red">30k on it</font>, sat for at least 3yrs was an company truck, stopped working (really vague not sure why) but company wanted a newer truck so decommissioned it vs. fixing, i picked it up for $100. question i have is what should be some of the first things i do before trying to crank her to diagnose the problem (to find the reason it was decommissioned) clean out fuel tanks, change oil...what else...thx guys

-josh

[/ QUOTE ]

I hate to be a party pooper, but I highly doubt it has only 30,000 miles. The odometer on the old trucks only when to 5 digits for some strange "Better Idea From Ford", so, it could, and more than likely, has at least 130,000, maybe 230,000, or 330,000 etc. And since you've got an Automatic, it's the E4OD electronic OD and ALL the sensors MUST work perfectly for the trans computer to function and make it shift right, I highly suggest replacing ALL the sensors. Good luck you Bandito. BajaGringo

BuilderBob · 10-02-2005, 12:55 PM

Shaffer,
don't you think it may be best to start the engine, and see if it runs?, to see if it is not hydrolocked?, to see if it do not have a knock that will hurt your ears?
If all check out then grease the ball joints!

hweaver · 10-02-2005, 02:32 PM

In my opinion, you should change the oil, change the fuel and oil filters, crack half of the injector lines, charge the batteries, and put fresh fuel in the tanks. Then crank it over until you have fuel squirting from the injector connections. It may start at this point even before you get the injectors hooked back up tightly.

I assume that it was outside for the three years. You will probably have dirt, sticks, leaves, bugs, etc in you heater fan area. You might need to remove the fan and fish that stuff out.

You will need to evaluate the transmission after you get the engine running. My E4OD truck sits most of the year and I have never had problem with the transmission from setting, maybe just lucky so far.

Thats what I would do first.

hweaver

PnrFab · 10-02-2005, 04:36 PM

well thank you everyone for your responses[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img], i really think the truck has 30k on it, it was used on site as a security truck (like Mr_Roboto said, high working hours but low miles) ya tires are shot, batteries are missing, but other then that, that is really the only thing that we see for a problem besides bad tires and a few dents and scratches again thx everyone for your input. will be doing this all within the next month or so, so im sure ill have more questions...(never owning a diesel before)

-josh

Carmine · 10-02-2005, 04:41 PM

Congratulations on your "steal of a deal" and welcome to the oil-burning fraternity.

I let my truck sit on my gravel drive from last Fall to this Summer. I had three rust-related problems: 1) Oil pan rusted from the outside in, 2) midships fuel sender rusted, 3) Rear fuel tank rusted at the seams.

I believe the constant moisture coming up from the ground did this damage as all these items were fine when I shut her down due to lack of funds to repair her brakes.

Just something to keep in mind and keen an eye on when you get her ticking over and running.

Carmine*