I posted the following question on Tech Help, and it was suggested I re-post it here: When my parents stopped driving, they just parked their 1980s full-size diesel in the garage. It's been sitting for about three years, with fuel in the tank and lines, oil in the motor, etc. What would be involved in getting it on the road again? My brother says that diesel fuel that sits develops a fungus that ruins the lines, pump, injectors, etc. True?

Change the oil and filter.
Check all rubber vacuum lines for cracks etc.
Remove the diesel fuel and install new fuel. Replace the inline diesel filter and main filter.
Check the glow plugs to see if they work (Battery??). Do a search in this forum on how to do this.
Your ready to start the car.
Now comes the work. You wil have to check for leaks because there will be some. All the rubber is probably getting old and leaks will develop. The seals have been in one position and that causes leaks. But at least you will have it running.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

Whunter has a thread entitled "biobor and how to use it" here
Also, your going to want to change all your filters. You may opt to drain your tank and lines and fill them with fresh fuel, depending on how bad your fungus problems are.

Before you even try to start the car you should change the oil, and squirt a little lubricant into each glow plug hole so that you dont mess up your piston rings. Also, top off the coolant. Make sure your battery is up, and your glow plugs are working, and crank away.

After you get it running you will want to run a can (or two) of diesel purge through the system (search on diesel purge.)

Also, the search feature on this forum is an invaluable tool.. Welcome...

Change the fuel filters, fill the big one with redline or diesel purge. Crank the motor over with a fresh battery without glow plugs before hand, this will circulate oil.

Start her up!

Add Biobar to the tank if you start seeing gook in the in line filter. Algae will appear as black flakes. I'd add a quart of power service additive and top off the tank. Carry extra filters with you and it should be a piece of cake.

i would add the biobpr before starting the car. can't hurt and it will dissolve/kill growth in the tank. get some fresh fuel in there right away. i would go so far as to suggest no letting the tank get below half for the first few fill ups. unless of course you have removed the tank, cleaned it with isoprop alchoal a couple times and put in new filters.

then as emily latilla said......"thats different then, never mind".

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currently
[1981 300 td tdidi 165500 dark brown/palamino-Brownie-mine-3k miles of ownership
1983 240d 162+++ Anthricite grey w/ henna red interior and hella lights-wifes car-Red

the above two cars are for sale
and can be seen on the cars for sale thread here. pix also available.


240d-144+ Manilla Yellow w/ palmino interior-greasecar kit-Blondie-the college kids car

23" gt 21 speed still on original tires-still got the nubs
21" khs tandem