Need advice on my 6.0 please

[bm3]

I was just released from a verterans hospital where i spent 16 days because my appendix busted at age 64. My 04 superduty hasent been started in over 3 weeks and i cant drive for another 4 weeks . Do i need to get someone to run it. Its full of fuel if that matters. I dont think starting it and let it run in drive way would help

 

[Combustix]

good to hear your okay. I have let my 7.3 sit for extended periods and the only thing I worry about is the battery. I have a small solar charger I plug in and let it sit for a couple days like that. If it's gonna be real cold I will plug it in. I do occasionally start it when I think about it and will let it run for 15-20 minutes. 7 weeks should not be a big deal though

 

[jonyyuma]

Myself, I would ask someone to crank it up and run for 20-30 minutes. It won't hurt it and the batterys would most likely do better? 7 weeks is not a real long time now that it is warmer..

 

[bm3]

Thanks Combustix , Thats good to here !

 

[RoyJackson]

I don't think the idle time would be a problem either (and that's what I'd do...let it set). If you have a trickle charger...well, that can't hurt.
But if you do have someone start it, it's probably better to ask them to drive it 4-5 miles (totally warmed up) rather then just idle.

BTW, idle time doesn't mean idling...it means just setting, engine off...

 

[Diamondpilot]

Me personally I would have a buddy take it out once every week to the auto parts store or Home Depot. This will keep it all lubed up.

Chris

 

[deerefan]

I was just released from a verterans hospital where i spent 16 days because my appendix busted at age 64. My 04 superduty hasent been started in over 3 weeks and i cant drive for another 4 weeks . Do i need to get someone to run it. Its full of fuel if that matters. I dont think starting it and let it run in drive way would help

Drive it, blow the soot out. Don't let it idle, the 6.0/turbo set up and carbon build up are not a good match. That engine likes to be worked. Have a buddy take it a couple times a week for a 5 mile jaunt. This was the best advice given to me by my local diesel mechanic who has worked on more than his share of these motors. I have also owned 2 and did not let them sit or idle for long periods. No problems with mine.

 

[Egon]

Hmmm -- Mines been sitting for over a year now. Somehow I'm not worried.

 

[dodge man]

Let it sit, it won't hurt a thing.

 

[flusher]

My diesel tractor (2008 Mahindra 5525) sometimes sits around for several months between starts. No far no problems.

 

[tlbuser]

Hmmm -- Mines been sitting for over a year now. Somehow I'm not worried.

Isn't yours a 12 valve?

 

[Soundguy]

Me personally I would have a buddy take it out once every week to the auto parts store or Home Depot. This will keep it all lubed up.

Chris

i agree... my f450 with 7.3psd sets alot in the barn ( washed and waxed !! ) and I can tell you after setting 2 months, the batteries are weak.

I make it a point now to take it out on the last weekend of the month at least. unless i've driven it that month for work moving trailers for the boss, etc, or fetching a tractor from another city or state for me..

soundguy

 

[Egon]

Isn't yours a 12 valve?

Shore is.:thumbsup:

Wonder how many farmers take their Combine for a spin every week??

 

[Dmace]

Throw on a battery charger and let it sit. If it can't handle a little downtime, buy something else. ;-)

In the late fall we have diesel trucks that will sit for over 2 months until the snow flies then we throw on 9ft plows, 2 yard sanders and run them for 20 hours straight.

 

[jeffsw6]

Throw on a battery charger and let it sit. If it can't handle a little downtime, buy something else. ;-)

I hear if you're going to let a 6.0 sit for more than a few days, many mechanics recommend removing the cab. It's a good opportunity to replace the engine. :laughing:

All kidding aside, that short amount of downtime is not going to harm your truck. Batteries, maybe, but other than that, it should start right up after 2 months of downtime.

 

[RobertN]

I wouldn't be too concerned, but would put a trickle/maintenance charger on it. With all the electronics on cars/trucks these days, that will draw your battery down over time. That is regardless if they are gas, diesel...

 

[JJZ 109]

The 7.3 PSD in my '97 F Super Duty sat all winter. I started it once in December and once in February. I plugged it in for 4-5 hours and it took right off.
When I did a coolant flush and was prepping for the season in March, we had a warm spell so I didn't even bother plugging it in. As soon as the "wait to start" light was off, away we went.

 

[tlbuser]

Shore is.:thumbsup:

Wonder how many farmers take their Combine for a spin every week??

Some of the guys near me have combines that have been sitting in the field for 15-20 years

 

[tlbuser]

I hear if you're going to let a 6.0 sit for more than a few days, many mechanics recommend removing the cab. It's a good opportunity to replace the engine. :laughing:

All kidding aside, that short amount of downtime is not going to harm your truck. Batteries, maybe, but other than that, it should start right up after 2 months of downtime.

:thumbsup:

 

[Soundguy]

i think its obvious to anyone with a 70+ IQ.. that the 'run it occasionally' comments are geared at keeping the bats up, not anything with the engine.

I have tractors set 6 months that fire up.. with a fresh charged battery. I resurect many that have sat years or decades, a lil more engine prep.. but nothing radical.

lots of jokers here.. sheesh.. does a dis-service to the original poster...