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How bad is it for a truck to sit

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Troutkiller, Apr 19, 2015.

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  1. Apr 19, 2015 #1
    Troutkiller

    Troutkiller Bobtail Member

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    Truck sat for a little over two years. Is an 02 freightliner century, detroit 60 12.7, super10 with 800k on it. Truck was owned by one of my best friends and driven by his father-in-law. Truck was always meticulously maintained till the father-in-law parked it where it sat for over two years.

    I took the the truck to a shop where I had 4 new batteries and 10 new (virgin) tires installed and then bob tailed it home 350 miles without issue. Well, when I turned on the wipers the drivers side wiper, arm and everything, just flew off the truck! But other than that no issues. Truck pulled hard, shifted smooth, didn't shake or vibrate.

    But it the truck did set for over two years! What should be my concerns with this truck before quit my job at the shipyard and head out on the road as an o/o and try to provide a better future for my family? Any advise is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance
     
    Troutkiller, Apr 19, 2015
    Troutkiller, Apr 19, 2015
    #1
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  3. Apr 19, 2015 #2
    wndrwtr

    wndrwtr Light Load Member

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    leaking seals..that will be the next project..that's about he only think that kills a truck when it sits..plus fuel gunk build up in tanks if not treated before sitting.
     
    wndrwtr, Apr 19, 2015
    wndrwtr, Apr 19, 2015
    #2
    mrbmg and Troutkiller Thank this.
  4. Apr 19, 2015 #3
    Troutkiller

    Troutkiller Bobtail Member

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    "Leaking seals" sounds ominous! I'm guessing that is just something that I'll address as they go out, or should I address them before I start hauling freight? Any seals that I should watch closer than others or is it just a hit or miss problem? And the biggest question IMHO, could this cause serious damage or park me till I get repairs? Or should I just keep a close eye on everything and address problems after I finish the run?
     
    Troutkiller, Apr 19, 2015
    Troutkiller, Apr 19, 2015
    #3
  5. Apr 19, 2015 #4
    heavyhaulerss

    heavyhaulerss Road Train Member

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    the wipers flying off was funny:biggrin_2559: should be o.k. usually wheel seals start to leak 1 at a time, for me about 1 every 2-3 weeks until all where changed. hopefully no animals, squirrels, rats, e.t.c. chewd any wires or no corrosion set in.
     
    heavyhaulerss, Apr 19, 2015
    heavyhaulerss, Apr 19, 2015
    #4
    Troutkiller Thanks this.
  7. Apr 19, 2015 #5
    heavyhaulerss

    heavyhaulerss Road Train Member

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    when my first truck was bought after sitting, besides the batteries, & a few minor things it was ready. on my first seal leak it was real small, but I was also home every day too, so when I replaced seal myself & got 2 extra & put in my side pocket for spares.
     
    heavyhaulerss, Apr 19, 2015
    heavyhaulerss, Apr 19, 2015
    #5
    Troutkiller Thanks this.
  8. Apr 19, 2015 #6
    heavyhaulerss

    heavyhaulerss Road Train Member

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    is this your first truck? cause there are a lot of tips especially for a 12.7 det that come in handy to know.
     
    heavyhaulerss, Apr 19, 2015
    heavyhaulerss, Apr 19, 2015
    #6
    Troutkiller Thanks this.
  9. Apr 19, 2015 #7
    G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    Seals tend to dry out with time. If you initially see some leaks, they could stop once the truck runs for a while. I have had a truck sit longer than 2 years with no problems. If you bought the truck right and it was well maintained, I doubt you will have any major issues from the truck sitting. Just make sure to keep up with maintenance. It is usually less expensive to keep things up than wait until something major happens. Make sure you do a thorough pre trip and pay close attention to wheel seals and any obvious leaks. I would also make sure to keep everything well greased, especially king pins.
     
    G/MAN, Apr 19, 2015
    G/MAN, Apr 19, 2015
    #7
    Troutkiller Thanks this.
  10. Apr 20, 2015 #8
    Troutkiller

    Troutkiller Bobtail Member

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    Girl riding with me thought it was funny too. I just pulled the one off of the passenger side and put it on my side so I could see. Wires and air lines seem good. Little surface rust on the frame and the fifth wheel but everything works. Thanks
     
    Troutkiller, Apr 20, 2015
    Troutkiller, Apr 20, 2015
    #8
  11. Apr 20, 2015 #9
    Troutkiller

    Troutkiller Bobtail Member

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    That's good to hear!!! Before I quite job I'm gonna use two weeks vacation and do some local flatbedding, , 120 mile runs. Hopefully it will be enough to shake down the truck and if it breaks at least I'll be close to home.
     
    Troutkiller, Apr 20, 2015
    Troutkiller, Apr 20, 2015
    #9
  12. Apr 20, 2015 #10
    Troutkiller

    Troutkiller Bobtail Member

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    Apr 14, 2015
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    Yes sir, first truck. So anything you can tell me will be greatly appreciated. I'm pretty handy with tools, I'm a lifelong tinkerer. But at 42 yo I know enough to know that I don't know #####
     
    Troutkiller, Apr 20, 2015
    Troutkiller, Apr 20, 2015
    #10
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