New truck, hasn't ran in awhile

First time posting in the forum, thanks ahead of time for all the great DIY articles. Really enjoying the wealth of info here on the forums.

I recently acquired a 98 standard truck from my brother (just picked it up tonight actually). he was the original purchaser, currently has 44k miles on it (still smells new inside). Everything stock except the canopy.

Here's my first concern: it's got 3/4 of a tank of 3 yr old gas, and I'm currently at work, have about 20m drive home afterwords. it runs rough, but it is running, no dying...pops a bit if i push it hard up a hill...is it safe to drive it home? My brother said he put a few gallons of 92 octane in the tank. Would it help at all if I added an octane booster or perhaps Mobil formula 1 to the tank? Once i get home i can drain the tank and put decent gas in it. just want to make sure im not going to kill my new truck on the drive

on the eubject of the gas tank. is there a drain valve, or am I goign to have to find the lowest hose in the system and open it up?

Anything else I should be looking at? truck averaged 4k miles a year, usually driven locally if at all. last 3 yrs ws bottled up in a garage (still have a ton of spiderwebs in the bed and canopy).

Once the weekend hits, I plan on giving it a thorough review and tune-up, but im constrained for the next 2 days with 12 hr shifts for work. anything i can do through sunday afternoon will have to be in a 1/5hr window after I wake up.

thanks guys looking forward to many years on the forums

 

I would also run some Sea Foam through it.

 

If you do nothing else before you drive it home, change the oil. Oil goes bad over time (most manufactuers recommend 6 months max. I'd drain the gas out as soon as I could, should be fine for the drive home, but I'd avoid it if you could. Sea foam as mentioned would be a good place to start. Also carry a fuel filter and the tools you need to change it with you for a few months until you've run a few tanks through it. Sediment, rust, sludge, etc from the old gas can clog the filter and leave you stranded (And driving home with a hose going from the fuel pump to a gas can isn't fun...I know) Check all your hoses and belts. Make sure your fluids are topped off, and changed them all as soon as you can.

 

As far as the gasoline I would siphon out as much as possible add a few cans of this

http://www.goldeagle.com/brands/start_your_engines/default.aspx, change out the fuel filter.

instead of droping the tank to empty it, then see how it runs, as far as the Sea Foam thats a personal choice, no need imho if you buy quality gasoline,.

If you want to add a additive I would use http://www.chevron.com/products/prodserv/additives/tcp.aspx

Good Luck

 

thanks for the great replies guys got it home relatively well (drained to 1/3 tank, refilled with decent gas). Techron added to this tank...ill probably to a new tank with seafoam this weekend (1 more shift to go), in addition to the oil and water.

Mild vibration in the steering when I drive...Ill prob get an alignment check when time becomes available. tires almost look brand new..with the exception of sitting in storage for 3+ yrs. anyone have any idea of how big i can go on a standard RWD with wheel/tire without serious rubbing? don't plan on doign anything harsher then drive to work with this truck and an occasional road trip, but the stock size tires look just a bit too spindly on this body. something bigger would be nice, but don't want to go over board.

ordering an Ultragauge...my check engine light is on (go figure...just ran some 3 yr old gas through the system). Not blinking tho, think ill get everything tuned up before really digging into codes and possible o2sensors/cats/whatever.

Everything else seems to be doing well. there's a slight 'clunky' feel to the front suspension when I go over bumps. Don't know how else to describe it. feel it through the steering column, though the steering column itself feels very solid. perhaps suspension bushings that are simply old? And ideas on that would be appreciated. thanks for the tips guys!

 

Like they said...

If that model has a steel gas tank, be prepared to change the fuel filter a few times as the new gas cleans the rust from the inside of the gas tank.

 

You should be able to run a 31" tire with no rubbing issues

 

soudns great guys. oil..check. multiple fuel filters, check (2) replacing first one this weekend after a full tank of gas with seafoam. already running smoother.

31's sounds nice. time to start looking for a decent wheel/tire combo.

 

If this truck sat for 3 years, the tires might have aquired flat spots. that could cause the mild stearing wheel vibration.