I have a diesel 4Runner (actually a Surf) that I need to store for a year, possibly more. It will be in a place that can be started up and run once a month, or even driven around the block, if need be.

My question, what should I do? I know that it will need an additive, any suggestions? Should it be full, empty? Is it better to drive it around every month, or possibly have the person start it each month, and drive it around every 4-6 months?

 

I'll be happy to take it off your hands for a bit!

 

your gonna want to start it more than once a month or your battery is gonna get killed. I was only gone for 8 months, and i had wanted the truck to be started 3x a week and run for about 10 minutes each time. it only got started once, that had to be jumped. when i came home, i put my battery on the charger, nothing.....ended up getting a new one. trickle charge might be good too, but i'm not 100% sure on the best plan of action on how to store the battery.
fuel stabilizer would be a great idea. get a bottle of Sta-bil and put that in with a full tank.

 

Sta-Bil in the tank (full tank) and disconnect the battery. other than that, you can let is sit for a month at a time if you want.

 

make sure you move the truck around, otherwise you get flat spots in your tires ... ask me how I know.


Or put it up on jack stands

 

Store it with a full tank to keep condensation down and add the stabilizer to the fuel.If someone can drive it once a month that would help a lot bringing it up to operating temp.If not remove the positive battery cable and put it on jack stands.If you dont do any thing but crank it and run it in the garage it will help.Depending on where you store it you want to block off the air filter box to keep mice out, trust me.I parked a truck out side for 3 weeks and the little devils filled the airbox full of dry dog food they got into in the barn.You never know.

 

Tempting...but no. The other 4Runner is already sold, but it is gas, and I figure I can get another when I get back. The pain of trying to get a diesel registered from Canada isn't worth the hassle selling it and buying another one later...but I will keep you in mind.

Thanks for the advice everyone, I am putting it on jack stands as we speak. Do you think that the oil should still be changed every three months?

 

Don't make me get one of those!