Storage for a few months?

[Dirtman]

Basically not using my ranger for 4+ months. What's the consensus, fill the tank to the top and add fuel stabilizer or empty the tank best I can? Cant fit it in the garage but its beed fluid filmed. Any other tips for storage?

 

[Grumpaw]

Always a full fuel tank with some stabilizer. Empty or partial tank promotes moisture build up, which will settle to bottom of tank.
Don't worry about it outside...our motor home sits out next to house during winter months without any problems.
Start it up every 2-3 weeks or so and take it for a 10 mile run...it'll get hot enough to burn off any moisture and lightly charge the battery.
Goes for any vehicle, mower rv, ect.
Grumpaw

 

[Dirtman]

That has always been my thing with my boats. No air in the tank means less air touching the fuel. I filled the tanks on the way home when winterizing, then got a few more gallons of gas to fill it till it spilled out of the tank.

But marine fuel is different. And maybe someone had some other tricks for other stuff.

 

[RonD]

Yes, full tank, not sure you need stabilizer for under a year, if tank is full and sealed

Battery can be disconnected, but 4-6 months shouldn't be an issue unless battery is 5+ years old
Draining a car battery shortens its life, so judgement call

 

[RangerFabWorks]

Full tank. Change the oil and filter. If you wont be starting the engine for a while. Pull the plugs and fog the cylinder walls with some marvel mystery oil. Place 2 plates of baking soda on the floor. This will help draw out moisture. And if you can, put it up on jack stands.

 

[Grumpaw]

Our motor home (E-450 based V-10) sits for 4 months during winter. Have always added stabilizer to it's 55 gallon tank, usually twice the recommended amount, and have never had a problem.
Just one of those preventive measure things. Lawn tractor, lawn mower, generator, snow blower, all get the same treatment.
Grumpaw

 

[racsan]

what things I have that sit for a few months( mower, tractor) I use stabilizer in fuel and let the engine inhale a little seafoam to fog it good, they make storage fogging oil (mostly meant for boats) that you can get at places like meijers/walmart. I usually run stabilizer in the chainsaw all the time, I never know when it may be used next, and sometimes its 5 months or more. if its already in there then I have no worries.

 

[sgtsandman]

Full tank. Change the oil and filter. If you wont be starting the engine for a while. Pull the plugs and fog the cylinder walls with some marvel mystery oil. Place 2 plates of baking soda on the floor. This will help draw out moisture. And if you can, put it up on jack stands.

I agree with this. This is the best option. I would add disconnecting the negative terminal on the battery and make sure the parking brake is not engaged to eliminate issues there as well.

 

[adsm08]

Don't use Stabil. Stabil will settle out of the fuel and stop working after a while. I'm not sure that four months will be an issue. The class I was at where we were told that dealt with Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid cars, where they are dealing with the possibility of fuel being in a tank for 18 months or more.

 

[4.0blue98]

 

[Saddle Tramp]

If possible, I recommend filling with nonethanol gas.

 

[Snoranger]

4 months... I just started mine recently after sitting for 8 + months. I did nothing to store it other then leave the parking brake off so the shoes didn't stick to the drums.

 

[bobbywalter]

less then a year....and the fuel is good....full tank.

 

[racsan]

I absolutely hate parking brakes. most of the time they are rarely used then when/if they get used the cable hangs up and wont release. My allis has a latch to hold the clutch pedal depressed, not a bad idea for when it sits idle. I have known of a clutch to stick during long-term storage.

 

[Dirtman]

Didn't think of the parking brake. I always use mine, good thinking leaving it off.