I'm back - I hope!

[osker]

Hello Surfing Ladies and Gents,

It's been a while since I checked in and I've missed these blue screens of wisdom! Hope it's all going well.

I need to get the grin back but ....
... I've been a very, very bad man and haven't driven my beloved truck for 2 years . I feel very guilty - please don't judge (I have various poor excuses I'd rather not go into) but want to try to get her back on (and off-) the road again. She's been in a nice cosy garage but the batteries and one tyre are totally flat. Is there anything I should do other than recharge, pump up the tyre, turn the key and pray to the Hilux Gods?? Deep down I know the old work-horse is up to it, even in her 20th year!

Best,
Keith

[Rob5464]

I would consider changing the belts.

[osker]

Cheers. I had them done in about 2010 I think but will lack of use have screwed them?

K

[muddle]

Charge the batteries and crank it over, if all is well, fill the fuel filter with ATF, change the oil and go on a drive.

[wishbone]

Maybe try turning it over with a spanner on the crankshaft to make sure it's not seized. Check the oil is ok before starting.

I'd expect the brake calipers to have seized.

I reckon it will start fine.

[Rob5464]

Good point on the calipers. I use mine every day and it was a nightmare changing the pads last week.

[osker]

Thanks. By 'crank it over' do you mean some sort of hand-cranking to test the engine hasn's seized - I'm not v. technical with this stuff I'm afraid!

[osker]

OK - spanner on crankshaft - yes - will just work out where that is!

[woodwarm]

Spanner........

location, bottom of tool box. not used for a couple of years


Welcome back

[osker]

Yes. Thanks for that! Grrrr.

[muddle]

Just turn the key. Turning it by hand won't help, if it's seized its seized, it won't be. Justvturn it over and start it.

[slobodan]

Check the spark plug gap first.

[osker]

We are back!! New batteries ... turned the key ... started just fine. Happy days. New spings needed and new oil and then we passed MoT A/T Oil temp light now on and battery charge level has dropped so in need of full service I think ....

[TwoBobRob]

Charge the batteries and crank it over, if all is well, fill the fuel filter with ATF, change the oil and go on a drive.

Can I ask please - why ATF in the fuel filter? I've not heard that before.

[Diezel Weazel]

I Presume he's running on Veg oil or maybe not either way it won't hurt

11+ Years of Surfs ..... n Faultless to a "T" is my Yota !!