Here is my question for the engine experts: What should I do/consider before starting the vehicle again ? Battery and caravan part are in OK shape - just the engine ?
Any thoughts ?
Thanks
...in a garage. As you know, our time of return to Europe is moving closer. We sold all our vehicles with one exception: our mobile home - which is our main hobby in Europe. It's a FIAT Ducato 2.8 Diesel engine - the build up is not relevant.
Here is my question for the engine experts: What should I do/consider before starting the vehicle again ? Battery and caravan part are in OK shape - just the engine ?
Any thoughts ?
Thanks
Here is my question for the engine experts: What should I do/consider before starting the vehicle again ? Battery and caravan part are in OK shape - just the engine ?
Any thoughts ?
Thanks
Condensation in the engine is the greatest danger.
I would change the oil, run it for ±500km and change again.
Drain the diesel tank and fuel filter (due to possible fungus growth) and add an anti-fungal additive.
Fit a new filter and fill the tank with fresh diesel.
(incidently it is better to store the vehicle with a full tank, because the exposed part of the tank is likely to rust).
I would change the oil, run it for ±500km and change again.
Drain the diesel tank and fuel filter (due to possible fungus growth) and add an anti-fungal additive.
Fit a new filter and fill the tank with fresh diesel.
(incidently it is better to store the vehicle with a full tank, because the exposed part of the tank is likely to rust).
Gerhard Fourie
If you want to shoot somebody, make sure you aim at his head, not your own foot.
Me
If you want to shoot somebody, make sure you aim at his head, not your own foot.
Me
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I have heard a quick squirt of penetrating oil down the glowplug holes help with initial lubrication.
If you have a means of turning the oil pump without starting the engine it will help with the oil pressure priming.
Don't rev it for the first few seconds until you are confident that the oil pressure has picked up.
If you have a means of turning the oil pump without starting the engine it will help with the oil pressure priming.
Don't rev it for the first few seconds until you are confident that the oil pressure has picked up.
Gents - thanks for the advices, I'll add them to the list of "do's" before starting the engine.
The tank is full - I'm used to this from the bike breaks during winter...
Quick question: what is "fungus" ?
The tank is full - I'm used to this from the bike breaks during winter...
Quick question: what is "fungus" ?
"Fungus" is a bacterial microbe that lives in water and feeds off the organic material in diesel fuel. If you leave you vehicle, diesel engine fuel tank for any long period, the little water that might be in the diesel fuel separates. this creates the environment for the microbes to survive and start breeding. They do not need air to survive.
Most fuel stations of repute in South africa take this infestation of the diesel microbe incredibly seriously. If you can locate it to one source the bigger companies will close down that source immediately, pump out the remaing fuel and clean and "disinfect" the affected tanks.
What happens is a very very thick sludge, "the microbe" is transported to your primary and main fuel filter where is block the fuel filter very rapidly effectively starving your engine of diesel. In other areas like agricultural marine and industries using diesel engines a primary filter with a water trap ( normally clear glass bottom) are installed for the very reason to look first for water and then for the microbe sludge.
If you vehicle has been standing for two years do not change the filters until you have checked to see if there is water present as you will only be wasting your money. Best and cheapest would be to empty your tank if you think there was water present. If you have been filling up regularly in a city location the probability is very low. Low volume turnover places are more likely to have this problem. Once your tank is empty and filled with "fresh" diesel then go and change the filters.
Most fuel stations of repute in South africa take this infestation of the diesel microbe incredibly seriously. If you can locate it to one source the bigger companies will close down that source immediately, pump out the remaing fuel and clean and "disinfect" the affected tanks.
What happens is a very very thick sludge, "the microbe" is transported to your primary and main fuel filter where is block the fuel filter very rapidly effectively starving your engine of diesel. In other areas like agricultural marine and industries using diesel engines a primary filter with a water trap ( normally clear glass bottom) are installed for the very reason to look first for water and then for the microbe sludge.
If you vehicle has been standing for two years do not change the filters until you have checked to see if there is water present as you will only be wasting your money. Best and cheapest would be to empty your tank if you think there was water present. If you have been filling up regularly in a city location the probability is very low. Low volume turnover places are more likely to have this problem. Once your tank is empty and filled with "fresh" diesel then go and change the filters.
2004 3.2DiD LWB, 2006 Club Cab 4x4