My trep (01 R/T) hasn't been started in 3-4 years. I replaced the battery but didn't want to turn it over until I changed the oil and the gas. That was 3 months ago. As you can tell, I've been preoccupied. LOL!
I know the rule to change oil every 3 months or 3k miles, but I'm wondering though, How long does it take for fluids to go bad? Should I change it before I try to fire her up for the first time in 4 years?
Much depends on where its sitting and how much gas is in it; and if water can get in. Indoor storage is much safer than outside storage, but there are many variables....IE temperatures, humidity, etc that can affect the fluids.
It can be years before the gas will get contaminated and go bad....I've seen them sit 4-5 years with no issues.....however, if the tank is less than half full there will be more of a chance of condensation forming inside the tank and dripping into the gas over time...even if the gas doesnt smell bad, its always a good idea to drain the tank and refill with fresh if its been sitting more than a year IMO.
As for the rest of the fluids, I'd say at least change the engine oil if shes been sitting for more than a year, same thing can happen there, moisture can get into the oil over time. Antifreeze and other fluids generally last several years, but its a good idea to check them and change if needed in a vehicle that has been sitting.
Also, If one has been sitting for a long time, its a good idea to pull the spark plugs and squirt a very small amount of oil into the cylinder, change the oil, and do a pre-oil procedure to get oil back into all the bearings, etc.
I've seen them start right up after sitting 10 years; needing barely anything, seen a few that sat 5 years in the woods and were almost totalled just from the rust and corrosion that formed; many variables here.
If one has been sitting for a long time, its a good idea to pull the spark plugs and squirt a very small amount of oil into the cylinder, change the oil, and do a pre-oil procedure to get oil back into all the bearings, etc.
I've seen them start right up after sitting 10 years; needing barely anything, seen a few that sat 5 years in the woods and were almost totaled just from the rust and corrosion that formed; many variables here.
Thanks Daytrepper. It's been outside, unfortunately. Fuel tank was full, so there's little room for condensation.
Can you elaborate on this pre-oiling procedure you mentioned?
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