Starting up a tractor that has been stored for three years.

[kklos]

I have neglected my JD 750 diesel tractor for the last three years by parking it in the garage and leaving it without starting it or preparing it for storage in any way. Has anybody ever done this and is there anything I should do before trying to start it again. I planned to add some diesel fuel additive and add fresh diesel fuel to the old fuel in the tank. I will also change the oil and radiator antifreeze before starting. Also noticed a lot of hydraulic fluid on the floor as I sure the seals are gone on the connectors. Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[goeduck]

I would drain the fuel and put in all new fresh fuel plus change the oil. I would not worry as much about the antifreeze. I would top off the hydraulic fluid if enough has leaked to where the level is below the add mark.

 

[kklos]

Thanks, the good news is that is has been stored inside! Your advice sounds right on. Thanks, will let the group know how it goes when I attempt to start.

 

[thepumpguysc]

DONT ADD good to bad.. that just means you have a FULL TANK of bad fuel..
PULL the air cleaner..
Loosen the lines AT the injectors before starting inorder to bleed the air & save the starter.
Bump the throttle to 1/2 way to full before starting.. & be prepared to lower it, when/if it starts.
Let it idle for about 5 minutes before reving it.. check for leaks in the meantime. {hydro, engine & water}
Good luck.

 

[09112]

I always crank the engine over until I get oil pressure. After 3 years things will be pretty dry and will need lube quickly.

 

[oosik]

If your diesel fuel was good when put in the tractor three years ago - its still good today. No need to dump or change. BTW - where in the world is - cook???

 

[the old grind]

I might change old *coolant before I changed old Diesel, but this time I'd drain the fuel tank and wouldn't pour it back in w/o using 'Mr Funnel'.

* suspect that galvanic corrosion never sleeps, either ..

My big concern is that you may find that the clutch is stuck engaged and won't release. NH and some others supply a block to hold the clutch slightly released in storage. Freeing one up can be quite a chore. I suggest you get help and be sure yours isn't 'locked-up'. t o g

 

[Thomas]

As other said,also air hose w/good pressure clean tight spots where mice might try to make home etc.

 

[radios1]

dump the old diesel, it could have water or algae in it, and pull the injectors, and pour a little bit of diesel in each cylinder, sitting for 3 years has dried up any lubricating film, and you'll be getting excessive wear from no lubrication until your oil pressure has gone up, and distributed oil throughout the engine.. take a piece of steel, put some oil on it, keep it in your shed, and see how long it takes for the oil to dry up!..

 

[oldtimer 66]

Check fluids and add if necessary. Better charge the battery ahead of time. Clean out rodent stuff as others have suggested. If it has been sitting inside the fuel is probably ok as per oosik. Don't change the fuel filter until you have it started. If you change the fuel filter and you get air in the lines you will be guessing if you have bad fuel or just the air problem. The operators manual has a sequence you need to follow to change the fuel filter. I have followed that and still got air in the lines and it is a pain to bleed the air when you have a 3 cylinder running on maybe 2 cylinders. If you need to blead the air at the injectors a standard open end wrench only works on I think 2 of the lines and you really need a crows foot/ tube style/ to get the third line all from memory. After getting it running you can go back and service necessary items. That's my information. Do what you want to do. Later.