Truck been sitting for 2 years

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by kenn2632, Jan 19, 2020.

  1. kenn2632

    kenn2632 Light Load Member

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    Nov 25, 2010
    baltimore,maryland
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    Can you guys tell me the risk of buying a truck that's been sitting for 2 years. It's a 2006 freightliner classic with a cat C15. I have the opportunity to purchase the truck, but would like some feedback before pulling the trigger?
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
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  3. ltzSupra

    ltzSupra Bobtail Member

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    Feb 25, 2011
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    I had my 2006 Freightliner Columbia sit for 3 years before I started running it. Before I put it on the road, I changed all the wheel seals, brake shoes and drums, every single rubber hose on the motor, all the shock absorbers, and flushed all fluids including, transmission, differentials, radiator and of course the motor. Haven't had any problems so far 4 years later. But I knew the trucks history. Find out from the owner the reason why it was parked up.
     
    Coffey and rachi Thank this.
  4. Chubby Fly

    Chubby Fly Medium Load Member

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    Nov 25, 2019
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    well hopefully they started it every month or so to keep things lubricated and cycle the brakes. 2 years isnt that bad though. 5-10 years with no start is bad.
     
    rachi and Bean Jr. Thank this.
  5. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Jan 13, 2013
    SW Arkansas
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    I had an 03 Columbia that sat for 2 years when I went to work overseas. Started it once at @ a yr an ran it for a while. When I got ready to run I changed all of the coolant hoses and changed the oil. Didn't mess with the wheel seals but I did keep a close eye on them and did have one of the drive seals start leaking. Ran the truck 2 more years with only regular maintenance.
     
    blairandgretchen and rachi Thank this.
  6. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
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    The risk is potentially enormous.

    I’d never buy one without being able to pull an oil sample and dyno for operating inspection.
     
    TallJoe Thanks this.
  7. The Biggest Dawg

    The Biggest Dawg Light Load Member

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    Oct 16, 2019
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    How do you pull an oil sample without making a mess? What if the oil change is fresh?
     
    TallJoe and blairandgretchen Thank this.
  8. Chubby Fly

    Chubby Fly Medium Load Member

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    Most cats have the quick valve installed in oil pan. You just put a coffee cup under it and fill her up.
     
    kenn2632 Thanks this.
  9. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
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    Then you walk away.
     
    kenn2632 and TallJoe Thank this.
  10. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
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    Honestly - it’s like buying anything without knowing if it works.

    I’d never do it with a truck unless it was selling for scrap price.
     
    kenn2632 and TallJoe Thank this.
  11. jeastonjr

    jeastonjr Light Load Member

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    Nov 4, 2013
    Weymouth,Ma.
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    When you start the engine look for blowby. This will tell you a lot.
     
    kenn2632 Thanks this.
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