I am getting sent on temporary duty for an unknown amount of time. I live in N. Louisiana, and it doesn't get terribly cold here, but my car will not be driven for who knows how long. I am hoping it will only be for a month or two, but I have been told to prepare for up to 6 months.

I was expecting the usual changing of oil, and battery charger. Is there anything else I should do for this engine? This is my first diesel, and I am still learning.

__________________
My Primary Driver - '85 300CD - 4-speed conversion, 2.47 rear, lowered, euro headlights, rebuilding (not restoring so much)

Wife's - '08 Saab Sportcombi Aero

Riding a '03 Yamaha Warrior

If I were to leave my Benz sit for possibly six months, I would pull the battery cables off the battery. Then there is less chance for a fire, and if the battery is in decent shape, the charge should be sufficient to start the car. Might well do that for two months away also.

__________________
Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

I think the real question is how much fuel to leave in the tank. Aint sure about this myself. Deffinitely change fluids: oil and coolant. And take pictures of it before you go. Twice have left old MB's behind, sold one from 5 states away (had pics). Gave the other one away for free, no pics to help me sell it.

i would fill the tank and put a diesel fuel stabilizer in the tank to prevent gelling or any other problems in addition to disconnecting the battery

Gator, then no reason to run the injector pump dry either, I'm guessin as you would gasoline engine to prevent fuel varnish deposits?

I'd imagine putting some anti-gelling stuff like diesel kleen and the like and then run the car to get that stuff around the IP and circulating in the fuel lines. Then from there top off the tank to avoid moisture building up.

__________________
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...144c3fc1dc.jpg

Buy a battery maintainer for the battery

Battery Tender or Battery Minder (google either) - great for keeping batteries charged.

If you haven't flushed the brake fluid - I would do that..

BTW - Started my 82 300SD after being in the barn for 10 years (new battery and filters). Tank was full. Really no issues starting.

The full tank of fuel prevent water condensation during humidity and temperature changes. For six months, I'm not sure you really need any kind of stabilizer for diesel fuel. If you do use stabilizer, put it in the car and run for some time or short distance so the additive reaches throughout the fuel system.

I have much more of a problem with destructive mice during storage periods than anything else.

Ken300D

__________________
--------------------------
1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

As some have said.....disconnect the battery.....otherwise the computer and security system will draw it down dead. Fuel should be fine as long as the tank is filled to limit the amount of condensation that can form in an air void in the tank. If it is in a garage put it up on jack stands to take weight off the tires. Puts some "moth balls" in the trunk and in the interior to deter critters from making it home for the winter.
Before starting it back up after storage.....always check the air box and air filter for mice nest.....they come and go right through the cold air intake.

Good luck to you...whatever duty calls you away!

__________________
FRED

Daily Driver: 98 E300TD 199K
Hobby Car: 69 Austin Mini
Past Diesels: 84 300SD, 312K
87 300SDL, 251K
94 Chev. K-1500 6.5Ltr.TD, 373K