M-170-001

Stock Vehicle Storage and Maintenance
M-170-001
(June 2006)
Valid for
All Mack CXU,CHU,GU,MRU,LEU
Case description
Vehicles, which are stored for long periods of time prior to customer delivery, must be protected from deterioration and
weather. Adequate protection of stock vehicles or glider kits is the responsibility of the dealer. Warranty claims for loss
or damage that occurs while the vehicle or glider kit is in storage will not be considered for reimbursement by the
Warranty Department.
The following recommendations should be considered for all vehicles that will be in stock more than 30 days:
Vehicle Parking Locations
Whenever possible, a stock vehicle or glider kit should be stored indoors in a well-ventilated area that is protected
from sunlight. If this is not possible, precautions must be taken to guard against deterioration and unwarranted
expense caused by environmental issues.
Remove the protective coverings from the seats. This allows the seats to breath, thereby eliminating any
damage from a build-up of condensation.
Make sure all windows and doors are closed. In tropical or subtropical areas, it is advisable to cover the
windshield with a dark material to prevent the sun from damaging the dash and upholstery.
Cover the exhaust stack to prevent rain and other foreign matter from entering the exhaust system.
Remove the protective coverings from the fuel tanks and air reservoirs.
To prevent corrosion inside steel fuel tanks, keep the tanks filled to maximum, or coat the inside of the tanks
with WD-40 or similar product. Use a quality diesel fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation and oxidation due
to long-term storage. Also, check the fuel tank vents periodically to make sure they are not plugged with debris.
Wash new vehicles or glider kits as soon as received to remove road grime and harsh chemicals. This is
especially important during the winter months when roads are treated with ice melting agents.
Batteries
Be sure that all batteries are kept fully charged. Batteries should be checked biweekly with a carbon pile battery
tester such as an Exide® Sure Start SB-7 tester.
For vehicles that will be in stock for more than 30 days, disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal
at each set of batteries.
Note: It is not sufficient to merely turn the main circuit switch to the OFF position on vehicles that will be in
storage for an extended period of time. Today’s trucks have higher key-off electrical loads due to more
electronic modules such as light control modules, and options such as the low voltage disconnect module, 120volt inverter, etc.
In areas where extended periods of subzero temperatures are encountered, batteries that are not recharged
regularly may freeze. Batteries found with cracked or broken cases will not be covered under normal warranty
expense.
Engine
Check and maintain antifreeze concentration for the ambient temperatures encountered.
Start the engine once or twice each week, and run at fast idle (1200 rpm) until normal operating temperature is
reached. This ensures full circulation of engine coolant, and also completely lubricates internal engine,
turbocharger and air compressor components.
Note: When starting the engine, use a battery cart and jumper cables to prevent draining the fully charged
vehicle batteries.
Warning
Use of a battery charger or cart with a sustained output voltage greater than 15 VDC can lead to loss of
electrolyte and the creation of explosive gases. Only use a charger/cart having a maximum voltage
output less than 15 VDC. Failure to heed this warning can, in some cases, result in an explosion and
cause severe personal injury.
Use extreme care when connecting jumper cables to prevent injury and possible vehicle damage.
Every 60 days, the vehicle should be driven for approximately 2–3 miles (3–4 km). During this road test,
function of all switches and controls should be checked. Also during this test, the air conditioner (if so equipped)
should be operated for at least 30 seconds to lubricate the compressor seals and internal components.
Operating the vehicle at regular intervals aids in keeping all gears and bearings lubricated, and also helps
prevent seals from drying out.
Note: The vehicle should be driven at least 2–3 miles (3–4 km) every 60 days to avoid flat spots and damage to
the tires, to prevent brinelling damage to the wheel bearings and to protect wheel seals and carrier seals.
Note: After operating the vehicle, drain the moisture from the air reservoirs.
Vehicle Protection
Be sure that the vehicle is completely lubricated. All exposed and unpainted surfaces, such as transmission
and axle control linkages, drive shaft splines and springs should be coated with heavy-duty engine oil or
chassis grease.
Protect all chrome and painted surfaces with a good grade of paste wax or a liquid polish such as those
available from Dupont® or Cadulac®.
Note: Do not apply wax or polish to chrome exhaust pipes.
Note: The vehicle should only be polished and buffed in preparation for final delivery to the purchaser.
In areas where the air-borne contaminants (such as iron powder, dust, fly ash, etc.) are prevalent, the vehicle
should be sprayed with clean water at least once per week to remove particulate contamination from the
painted surfaces.
Keep the tires properly inflated. Additionally, driving the vehicle at specified intervals will rotate the tire contact
surface and minimize storage damage from occurring.
Issued by
Technical Service