I'm the proud owner of my first 02 Dodge Diesel. I bought it at a government auction with 26K miles on it. The truck had not been started since September of 2004, it was just left sitting in a lot neglected. So I pick it up on a rollback bring it home, throw two new batteries in it and after about 90 seconds of turning the engine over she fired right up. Guess it proves the reliability of a well built diesel engine. I'll be installing a fuel pressure gauge this weekend to protect the VP44. Guess I need to change the oil and fuel filter too. The best thing about this truck is that it's "LOUD" I just love that diesel sound.

 

congrads on your new toy and welcome to DTR. Yes, new oil, filters and a fp gauge are a must. I'd throw in some new diesel and additive as well.

 

I would also change hoses and belt.

 

NICE! That is a brand new 2002. The best of the 24v second gens, I hear people say.
I am so enviuos.
-P

 

Wow what a steal. Why was it left to sit for so long? I'd love to have a reg cab 4x4 6'er! I bet you weren't the only bidder on that one! Kurt

 

It was a seizure sold off by the state. They have to wait for the courts to get done and then they can sell the seized items. They sure don't get in any hurry to sell em though.

 

Your truck sitting so long brings up a question. I would normally put some oil in the cylinders via the spark plug hole. How would you go about that with a diesel, remove the injectors and squirt some in????

 

You could pull the rocker cover off and pre lube the valve train, but thats about it, I would just make sure the oil was not low and turn it over till it starts. He said it took 90 seconds of rolling over till it fired, so I would say by that time some of the oil had already began to circulate. I would just let it idle for a few mins before touching the pedal.

 

Sounds like a good deal. Hope it works out for ya.

 

The oil pressure gauge actually came up before it started, I had to pump the accelerator pedal to finally get it to start. I figure the computer had to re-learn the TPS sensor since the batteries were dead for who knows how long. I was concerned about the fuel being old but it had 3/4 of a tank so I'm running the fuel that's in it. I'll fill it up when I get down to a 1/4. Anyway I've spent 10 hours washing & cleaning on it, as it turned out there was a great truck under 3 years of dirt. Doesn't even have a door ding, had some brush marks but they came right out. I've driven it about 70 miles now and haven't had the first , absolutely love the sound, it's so loud. Can't wait to pull something.

 

Dad has a 3406 CAT in his 32' commercial fishing boat. It sits for 9 months every year without a start. All he does is change the oil, then puts the fuel pickup line in a 5 gal bucket of super high quality test diesel (cant recall where he gets it).. but its got great lubricity, etc... and runs that until its in all 3 fuel filters, the injection pump, and the injectors... then shuts it off for the year..

When he gets back he charges the batteries, tops off the coolant, then turns the fuel off (the throttle can go past a detent and NO fuel get to the injectors), he then motors the starter until he gets oil psi... then turns the fuel on and vroom.. almost instant... every year.