Vehicle Storage - Maintenance Tips
88ford07VEHICLE STORAGE - MAINTENANCE TIPS
Article No. 88-9-9
FORD: 1987-89 ALL CAR LINES
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1987-89 ALL CAR LINES
MERKUR: 1987-89 ALL CAR LINES
LIGHT TRUCK: 1987-89 ALL LIGHT TRUCK LINES
MEDIUM/HEAVYTRUCK: 1987-89 ALL MEDIUM/HEAVY TRUCK LINES
ISSUE: New vehicles that are stored for extended periods and not put into service shortly after they are built require special maintenance to make sure that the vehicle stays in "like new" condition.
ACTION: If a vehicle is expected to remain in dealer stock for an extended time period, refer to the following maintenance procedures.
The dealer is responsible for storing new vehicles and maintaining them in new condition.
General
^ Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place; protect from sunlight if possible.
^ If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance against rust and damage.
Body
^ Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar, or mud from exterior surfaces, rear wheel housing, and underside of front fenders.
^ Periodically wash cars and trucks stored in exposed locations.
^ Touch-up exposed raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
^ Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is washed.
^ Lubricate all hood, door, and truck lid hinges and latches with a light grade oil.
CAUTION: Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
^ Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
Engine
^ Start engine every fifteen (15) days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal operating temperature.
^ Shift the transmission into all gears while engine is running.
Fuel System
^ Regularly move vehicles short distances to mix fuel anti-oxidation agents.
NOTE: DURING EXTENDED PERIODS OF VEHICLE STORAGE (60 DAYS OR MORE), GASOLINE MAY DETERIORATE DUE TO OXIDATION. THIS CAN DAMAGE RUBBER AND OTHER POLYMERS IN THE FUEL SYSTEM SUCH AS CARBURETOR ACCELERATOR PUMP, DIAPHRAGMS, AND CARBURETOR INLET VALVES. IT MAY ALSO CLOG SMALL ORIFICES. DIESEL FUEL DETERIORATION IN THE FORM OF FUEL SEPARATION, SLUDGE FORMATION, AND BACTERIAL GROWTH CAN CAUSE RESTRICTIONS IN FUEL SUPPLY LINES, FILTERS, AND STICKING OF FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
A commercially available gasoline fuel stabilizer ("STA-BIL" or equivalent) should be added to gasoline-powered vehicles or a diesel fuel stabilizer ("Fire Prep 1000" or equivalent) to diesel-powered vehicles whenever actual or expected storage periods exceed 60 days. The manufacturer's instructions packaged with the product should be followed. The vehicle should then be operated at an idle speed to circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
A volatile, corrosion inhibitor ("NOX Rust VCI 105" or equivalent) added to the fuel will protect the fuel tank inner surface from corrosion. Follow instructions packaged with product.
Cooling System
^ Protect against freezing temperatures.
Battery
^ Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean and covered with a light coat of grease.
Brakes
^ Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
^ Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
^ Make sure all linkages, cables, levers, and clevis pins under vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust.
^ Move trucks at least 25 feet every fifteen (15) days to lubricate working parts to prevent corrosion.
NOTE: THE SELLING DEALER MUST ARRANGE TO HAVE VEHICLES, WHICH ARE DELIVERED TO BODY COMPANIES OR OTHER LOCATIONS, STORED AND MAINTAINED AS OUTLINED ABOVE.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: Supersedes 87-13-15
WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"