OT: what do y'all recommend??

Apologize for OT but there is so much knowledge here. My niece has gone to Australia for a year and her late model Dodge Ram w/ 5.7 Hemi has ended up in my shop, which is NOT a problem, her dad isn't being very supportive... anyway, what if anything can I put in the gas tank to help this truck not have problems??? I will take it out and drive it occasionally but just to keep the battery charged and things moving around. I haven't had time even to see how much gas is in the tank. Thanks in advance.
 
Stabil or seafoam or some other fuel stabilizer would be a good idea. Late model stuff does not take well to sitting around and not running. I'd run it at least once a week ? then keep the gas topped off with fresh.
 
Do not use ethanol blended gas!!I have had good luck using sea foam in my gas tanks(boat,generator,4wheeler)
 
(quoted from post at 14:48:55 08/21/17) Do not use ethanol blended gas!!I have had good luck using sea foam in my gas tanks(boat,generator,4wheeler)

x2 In North Arkansas ethanol blend will absorb a lot of moisture in just a couple of months. Drive it when you can and keep it topped off with premium and a fuel stabilizer.
 
Ad some Stabile and Seafoam. I have 4 year old gas in my Yamaha generator right now and I will be changing it out in the next couple of weeks. 10% ethanol and it runs like it is supposed to. It will go from the generator to the tank on my tractor.



Any engine being stored needs a little prep - I'd change the oil in it to before parking it. I would also look into jacking it up from the axles - lots of vehicles get flat spots on the tires just setting for a week or so - imagine what months of sitting in the same spot will do.
 
Well, I am gonna be different. My kids leave their cars here over the winter while they are at University. I fill each with ethanol, drive them about 10 miles or so when the roads are dry, once every two months. Nothing added anywhere, and never had any issues. Ben
 
(quoted from post at 13:13:47 08/21/17) Well, I am gonna be different. My kids leave their cars here over the winter while they are at University. I fill each with ethanol, drive them about 10 miles or so when the roads are dry, once every two months. Nothing added anywhere, and never had any issues. Ben

Same here. My dually often sets for 1 to 2 months without being started. E10 in the tank. NEVER had any problems.
 
I am like rusty, have a restored 79 scout sits in the basement and I start it drive to tow about once ever 6 weeks or so. Use E 10 and have never had problems.
 
(quoted from post at 12:17:21 08/21/17)
(quoted from post at 14:48:55 08/21/17) Do not use ethanol blended gas!!I have had good luck using sea foam in my gas tanks(boat,generator,4wheeler)

x2 In North Arkansas ethanol blend will absorb a lot of moisture in just a couple of months. Drive it when you can and keep it topped off with premium and a fuel stabilizer.

Yes, any water in the fuel tank will be absorbed by the ethanol, an added benefit of E10. There is no way for it to absorb other moisture unless you leave the fuel cap off. Don't do that, keep it full of the fuel of your choice. I have had good success with Stabil in small engines. Not sure the value of premium unless the vehicle calls for premium. It's not any better than regular except for anti-knock properties and is mostly blended now for extra profit from people who believe it is somehow better.
 
Open the tank like a vented cap on old tractors & let it set for a year with that ethanol & report (cuss) back!
 
I have used Stabile , Seafoam,and Briggs and Stratton fuel stabilizer. I have stopped using Stabile a number of years ago. It's only good for 2 years and gas was getting an old smell at a years time. Sea foam is a good product but is only good for 2 years. I went to Briggs & Stratton fuel stabilizer which is good for up to 3 years and I took a 2 1/2 gallon can and let it set almost 3 years and smelled and run through garden tractor like I had just bought it. With stratton in chainsaw gas I leave gas in tank when done and no problems if saw sets a long time.
 
I just started an old H Farmall yesterday which had sat with less than 1/4 tank of ethanol for about a year. (13 months) It's got a loose gas cap and was out in the weather. Started right up and ran fine, I mowed until it was about out of gas then went to town and bought some. Ran it a couple of hours today with five gallons of fresh gas and it probably will sit out in the weather another year. My experience with ethanol seems to be different than lots of others, but I know there are people who just hate ethanol and have probably never even tried it. I indiscriminately use it in everything because I'm to cheap to pay for pure gasoline until I have a problem with E10. I don't grow corn, either. And I store gas in plastic cans for most of a year. I really think E10 stores longer with less gum than regular gasoline. That is my experience, not supposition.
 
If you can keep the battery charged with a charger, I would not start it again until the owner returns in a year. Short runs will do more harm than good, even when intentions are good. If the fuel tank has evaporation control, I would add Stabile at the rate for long term storage and leave the fuel tank as-is sealed by the gas cap. When the owner returns, top off the tank with fresh fuel at that time. If the oil is due for a change, you could do that now.
 

I am in the fewer starts camp. Frequent short drives for any vehicle is considered severe service and additional oil changes are advised. Water is a product of combustion and if you don't drive it long enough to get it completely up to temp, the water will not be all evaporated off, and lubrication is compromised.
 
Hello Logan,

Just disconnect and remove the battery. Store where it will be above freezing. Charge it and install it, top off the fuel tank. It will be ready,
when she comes back. Engine Oil and oil filter, should be the only thing that will need to be changed, all other fluids topped off as needed. I would keep an EYE on the tires though. A totally flat tire may be ruined with the vehicle weight on it,

Guido
 
I would fill the tank with premium gas (without ethanol) buy a cheap battery tender and hook it up and park it.
 
Logan, another thing to consider is insurance, inspection sticker, and license plate. If your gonna store it like some have recommended, at least here in Louisiana, you can tell your insurance company and get a reduced rate. Also, I know from painful experience, if the sticker of plates come up before they get back, you can be fined, it was like 600 bucks here when I had my truck parked at my son's house.

You might want to check on it.
 
I don't know about anyone else. I leave it a year without running and it won't start without work. And I put fuel stabilizer in everything but my breakfast cereal.
 
Her mother works for an Independent Insurance Agent so that is taken care of. Texas is not as difficult about registration/inspection as our eastern neighbor. Thanks!
 
Thanks for all the input guys! My work schedule will keep me from doing anything for another couple of weeks but my wife will drive it in the mean time. I will also consult with my B-I-L and see what he is willing to do if anything. It's kind of a touchy subject as he was totally against his 24 yr. old baby girl going half way around the world...

This place is simply amazing in the wealth of knowledge and experience and the willingness to share to help others. It's people like y'all that make this Country work! Thanks again!!!
 
Disconnecting or removing the battery is a great idea. Modern vehicles can drain a battery in several months if not in several weeks.

Be very careful about driving someone else's vehicle like it is your own. If you niece returns to find her truck has 10,000 extra miles, some extra body damage and a messy interior those problems could make the fuel problems you asked about seem minor. If you are storing the truck for someone, park it and leave it alone. The owner will likely cancel the insurance while she's gone.
 

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