Sitting T-800's during the winter

Discussion in 'Kenworth Forum' started by sward_302, Jan 10, 2014.

  1. sward_302

    sward_302 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 2, 2013
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    I just purchased 3 2007 T-800's for our company. The problem I have is that we will only be using them for 6 months out of the year. From October thru March they will be sitting in our yard. Now I have several friends that were owner operators that said the worst thing for these trucks will be that they are sitting outside, not garaged indoors, during the winter.

    I also have been told that they will not only need to be started on a regular basis but they will need to be driven to bring the engine up to operating temp. I fully understand all of this and I am willing to do what is needed to take care of our investment.

    Here's the problem, my boss swears that all of this is unnecessary and that all I need to do is keep an eye on the batteries while they are sitting. He said if I am that worried about it that starting them up once a month all letting them ward up in the yard will be fine.

    PLEASE chime in as many people as possible with your knowledge. I am coming straight to the source out there cause I need to be able to fully prove him wrong. Honestly it doesn't make sense to spend 210 grand on trucks and not take care of them.
     
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  3. xiipercent

    xiipercent Medium Load Member

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    I had my truck parked for one full year to the day....apr2012-apr2013. Did'nt touch it. My batteries were dead.other than replacing....under volvo warranty....the truck fired on first crank. No other issues...parked in sunny socal.
     
  4. sward_302

    sward_302 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks.

    I did did forget to mention that these trucks will be sitting in cloudy and cold CT winters.
     
  5. magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

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    depending on where you are located you may not be able to start them up on october fuel keeping batteries up is a good idea disconnecting batteries in case of draws. maybe some sta-bil fuel stabilizer.. drain off summer bug wash ..make sure antifreeze is good for expected low temps .. oil change shortly before parking to reduce moisture and or acids in oil .some just park as is and never experience problems others do its a crapshoot
     
  6. aktundratugger

    aktundratugger Light Load Member

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    up on the hill, Ak
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    I park 3 tractors all winter every winter and all I do is put a good charge on the batteries and unhook them, grease and treat fuel w/anti gel like power service and wait for work.
     
  7. Dale thompson

    Dale thompson Road Train Member

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    rusty brakes rusty exhaust sitting outside in winter weather is hard on equipment inside storage will save a lot of grief come spring-does not need to be heated just protected from moisture
     
    daf105paccar Thanks this.
  8. Sublime

    Sublime Road Train Member

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    We call it lot rot around here. Sitting for long lengths of time outside in humid conditions is bad for equipment.
     
  9. daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    I think Dale said it best.
    Is there no way you can put them in storage?
    It does not have to be heated,just inside.
    Will save you a lot off grief.:yes2557:
     
  10. jason6541

    jason6541 Road Train Member

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    One important thing to remember treat the fuel with a biocide and fill the tanks full. Keeps moisture from condensation to a min in fuel and won't give the slime a chance to grow in a favorable enviroment. There are some products to keep degradation to a min. Worried about batteries they make trickle chargers for trk's that sit long term. Batteries that freeze from low charge is death for batts. Also wash the trk's including chassis really well to ensure road salts etc don't absorb moisture from atmosphere and rust trk's to pieces. Salt in the nooks and crannies will hold moisture and surprise lots of rotted p arts. Also air up the tires to max inflation psi's. If sitting outside some protectant on rubber parts. Also drain air tanks if moisture allowed to sit in tanks, won't be long before they rust from the inside out .
     
  11. fld

    fld Medium Load Member

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    Different people will have different opinions on this. Myself, I am against anything sitting for an extended period of time.

    The problem with sitting is dry rot. Anything rubber can dry rot. Things like brake cambers/ pancakes, axle/differential/ transmission/ steering seals, tires, hoses, belts. The actual running of the truck keeps these parts in working order.

    Also, brakes sometimes rust to the drum from sitting. Air horns can have problems, etc.

    As far as the engine goes, a diesel is probably ok to sit, but moisture is the enemy. You should at least cover your stacks with cans to keep the water from rotting your exhaust away.
    I have a few pieces of equipment that sit, and I do try to start them at least every few weeks. Garaging equipment really does make quite a difference, even with the paint and appearance

    Anyway, that's my .02. Good luck.
     
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