So it’s been quite some time since I’ve been on this forum. Long story short I parked my truck back in 2013. I cranked it up a few times after, but life got in the way and while not forgotten I managed to neglect it. And regretfully I didn’t do my due diligence and store it away properly. Its been left out in the open, the battery was disconnected but it was left with about half tank of gas. I’m wanting to get it going again. From my understanding, the gas will need to be drained. I’m assuming an oil change won’t hurt either. Aside from the obvious, is there anything else I should be concerned with before attempting to crank it over? And what’s the best way to go about draining the fuel?

 

I think I would disable the fuel injectors and turn the engine on the starter for a short while and maybe repeat after a minute or so to ge some oil up on the cams before starting the engine.

 

You will have to drop the fuel tank to dump it. To crank the engine without it starting, either trip the inertia switch or pull the fuel pump relay.

 

I was dreading having to drop the fuel tank, but it ended up not being as bad as I was making it out to be. I got most of the gas out, I would guess there’s maybe half to a gallon left. Would it hurt to leave it and perhaps add some fuel additive along with fresh gas? The gas that came out looked really clean and didn’t have an off odor to it, aside from being gasoline.

 

I'd add a bottle of Techron and a bottle or two of HEET.

 

I'd filter the old gas with a paper shop towel and use it in the lawnmower or even back in the truck. And yes I'd put a couple of bottles of Techron or Gumout with PEA in the gas.

 

You need ISO-HEET to absorb the water in the bottom of the tank. After you run a fresh tank of gas through it, change the fuel filter.

 

I got everything installed, added 5 gallons of gas and 1/4 bottle of HEET and fuel system cleaner. The engine turns over, but it won’t run. I disconnected the fuel filter line & no fuel comes out of the tank line when turning the engine over. Would it likely be the fuel pump is bad or would it need more 5 gallons of gas to start it? How could I go about checking the fuel pump to rule it out.

 

Check your fuses and your inertia switch before going any further.

 

The inertia switch was pressed in and the fuel pump fuse is good. I didn’t test the fuel pump relay, due to lack of knowhow. The fuel pump and relay were both pulled out to turn the engine over without cranking and then reinserted. What’s the likelihood it could be the relay? I’m unable to work on the truck until next weekend, but would like to gather any parts this week that will get me closer to getting my truck back running.

 

Slim chance it's the relay. You can test it by using a digital multimeter. Lots of good videos on the UTube of that kind of stuff.

By chance, did you check to make sure you wiring is OK?

Being outside, you might've had an infestation of sorts. Rodents, squirrels, chipmunks, dogs, cats, and I suppose porcupines like vehicle wiring.

 

un plug fuel pump at chassis connection. insert your multimeter....upon intial key turn fuel pump should power for 3-5 seconds. see if you are getting power TO the pump...before going thru hot wire testing the pump.

It would not be uncommon for the pump to be rusted up having sat for so long and NOT having a full tank of gas (recommended for pump in tank configurations).

 

I ended up replacing the fuel pump and the truck fired right up! Not related to the issue, but I replaced the fuel filler neck hose and vent hose while I had the tank out again. Saved some money and ordered a Gates 24710 fuel hose off of Amazon for $13. Perfect fit after some trimming. Auto parts wanted $60.

Many thanks for all the good advise. The truck has definitely seen better days, while I don’t plan to use it as a daily driver, it won’t see anymore neglect.