First start-up after a year

[Robo McDuff]

Normally, when buying another car, I automatically change the oil, oil filters, fuel filters, belts, and depending on the age also all the other oils like gearbox and brakes.

With this 5-ton multi-fuel, I am a bit unclear what the best stategy is.

This specific vehicle has never or not often been driven at speeds above 15 - 20 mph, probably with low refs. My plan is to check everything out and then start normal roadwork with it, that is, in 2 weeks maybe driving 600 miles with it ( please leave me my dreams a bit longer before I decide that putting her/him/it on a trailer for that trip is a wee bit more safer).

The vehicle has beens standing silent for a year or more, outside in damp Dutch conditions, with the tank (or tanks) filled only a quarter or less.

So what to do. Empty the tanks completely, change all filters and fill her up again before even starting the engine?

Or starting the engine as specified in the multifuel operator manual - great reading, love the cartoons- , let her run half an hour, see what happens?

What is the best fuel for a multi-fuel anyway, at least in the beginning after a long period of quiet and a life of slow driving. That slow life is now going to change to see if 50 or 55 mph on the highway without load is possible . I don't mind spending a few buck extra for better fuel if it will help save or clean the engine.

 

[cleb]

New fuel, new filters all around. Be ready for any number of axle seals to let loose and spew gear oil after 50-150 miles. Happens with a lot of trucks that sit. Also, look for brake issues. Fresh diesel is a fine fuel to run at first. Once your home, if you really want to flush the system run biodiesel if available in your area. It will REALLY clean the system, but be warned, it will eat weak seals and cause filters to clog like there is no tomorrow!

 

[Robo McDuff]

New fuel, new filters all around.

I'll make that my first priority then, if possible even before driving or towing it to our Dutch working space. Not sure if the current owner agrees with any work done on his terrain though.

So order would be

1) replace alll fuel and fuel filters
2) run engine to see if it works and warm up the oil a bit
3) replace the oil and oil filters
etc
etc
1001) finally start driving