Keeping a 30 year old 2.9 going

stegomon · Oct 31, 2017

I have a really good running 2.9 with out the tick. Unknown miles.
Any ideas on keeping it running to for longer? Sould I run synthetic? Additives? Carbon Cleaning?

adsm08 · Oct 31, 2017

Synthetic is certainly not going to hurt, but I would probably reseal it, including valve seals, before going to a full synthetic. For the 2.9 a blend would be more than good enough considering that conventional was all that was around when that engine was designed.

Good oil, good filter, regular fluid changes, that is really all you can do.

Dangerrangers · Oct 31, 2017

What he said !!!!!!

stegomon · Nov 3, 2017

Ok then. Sounds easy. How about putting that engine up for a few years? Any special progress on that. To much info on net. Not knowing what is good or bad

wildbill23c · Dec 8, 2017

If you are storing it, change all the fluids, drain all the fuel out and run it till its out of fuel.

Or if you are able, take it out on a drive at least once or twice a month.

4x4junkie · Dec 13, 2017

I run Valvoline conventional 10W-30 with Purolator or Motorcraft filter (Never any additives). Change both about every 3000 miles or annually, whichever is first (I know the trend has been going more toward longer change intervals, I do it because it's a 2nd-vehicle 4x4 play toy and sees very dusty conditions most every time it gets driven).

Mileage (equivalent) is probably around 270K... ODO just rolled over for 2nd time, but I did have the speedo cable disconnected for some time after the doubler went in, plus all the hours & hours of driving in low range that doesn't rack up the ODO as fast as being on a freeway does.

wildbill23c said:
If you are storing it, change all the fluids, drain all the fuel out and run it till its out of fuel.

Or if you are able, take it out on a drive at least once or twice a month.

That is what my dad has always done with our RV. About every two months, if it hasn't been driven, he'll take it out on an early Sunday morning when there's no traffic and jump on the freeway for about 10 miles while also exercising all of it's systems (generator, A/C, etc.). Seems to do OK for it, we've had few issues with it sitting other than the occasional spider making it's nest in the flame tubes of the heater, fridge, etc.

If it cannot be driven for a few years though, then what I've heard is put ½ teaspoon or so of oil through each spark plug hole, and then spin it over a few times with the starter motor (ignition disabled). Then all the usual stuff such as draining gas, having fresh oil in the engine itself, etc. Wouldn't hurt to have fresh fluids elsewhere too, such as transmission fluid, coolant, power steering, brake/clutch fluids, etc.

pjtoledo · Dec 13, 2017

for long term storage keep the moisture out. fog it if possible, plug all holes with paper towels or good'ol toilet paper to absorb moisture. don't forget the exhaust pipe.
use clothes dryer sheets to deter rodents.

Keeping a 30 year old 2.9 going

stegomon

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adsm08

Senior Master Grease Monkey

Dangerrangers

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stegomon

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wildbill23c

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4x4junkie

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pjtoledo

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