Startup after sitting for 2 months

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by grizz49, Mar 4, 2019.

  1. grizz49

    grizz49 Bobtail Member

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    May 17, 2012
    Seattle
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    I am an owner-operator with 7 years experience, and I hit a rough patch just before Christmas. A pallet fell out of the trailer on me and broke my hip. The batteries flat-lined before I got out of the hospital, so the 2014 T680 with MX13 has not run since 12/19/18. Location is Seattle, it's been cold. What if any precautions should I take after swapping out the batteries but before firing it up?
     
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  3. fss99701

    fss99701 Medium Load Member

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    Feb 14, 2019
    none of your business
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    Nothing at all really just do your standard pre-trip engine check, and fire it up
     
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  4. OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

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    I'd replace the batteries and fire it up. The only thing I can right off think of is if your antifreeze wouldn't have been good enough and frozen causing problems of course, but that new of a truck you should be fine
     
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  5. grizz49

    grizz49 Bobtail Member

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    Seattle
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    I just checked and it was a full gallon low on antifreeze. No puddle underneath, none on the dipstick. WTF?
     
  6. fss99701

    fss99701 Medium Load Member

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    Might have been low on antifreeze when you left it.
     
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  7. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    You would not see it on the dipstick anyway. It would be in the bottom of the pan. You could loosen the drain plug but do not drop it. A little water would not be uncommon from condensation. A little coolant is not good but you could drain it off and fire the engine off without concern.
     
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  8. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Evaporation of water from the cooling system over that time frame would be considered normal or pressure test for leaks if it makes you feel better.

    Either way.........grease it, change the oil and all filters and get back to work.
     
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  9. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    CHASIN THE DEVIL'S HERD
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    The best advice I can give is really pay attention and mark or tie battery cables that go together as soon as you lift them off the post. It's one of those simple things that can go wrong quick
     
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  10. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    Now that's good advise.
    We start agricultural equipment all the time that has not been touched longer than that. Fired off an irrigation engine today. Checked the oil and coolant. Put the battery in and fired it off.
     
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