1998 Toyota Tacoma Sitting 2 Years

1998 TOYOTA
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PLUMPY72
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I have a 98 Toyota Tacoma with a 2.7 Liter Engine SFI with an automatic 4 speed transmission, 89,000 miles on it.. Its been sitting for 2 years. What should I do to prepare it for the road? I know a tune-up and oil change is one of the first things.. but any other info would be a great help.
Aug 15, 2006 at 10:59 AM
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MIKEYBDMAN
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[quote:8f160fb266="Plumpy72"]I have a 98 Toyota Tacoma with a 2.7 Liter Engine SFI with an automatic 4 speed transmission, 89,000 miles on it.. Its been sitting for 2 years. What should I do to prepare it for the road? I know a tune-up and oil change is one of the first things.. but any other info would be a great help.[/quote:8f160fb266]

You might want to drain and refill the gas. Atleast add some water disbusing chemicals to try and get the old fuel to burn.
Might not be a bad idea to drain the radiator and put a new thermostat in. I imagine the one in there has a 50/50 chance of being rusted shut.
Aug 15, 2006 at 1:32 PM
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PLUMPY72
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what about the seals? Do they get dry rotted from sitting that long? would i have to replace them?
Aug 17, 2006 at 10:12 AM
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MIKEYBDMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 623 POSTS
[quote:bb5b7b61f3="Plumpy72"]what about the seals? Do they get dry rotted from sitting that long? would i have to replace them?[/quote:bb5b7b61f3]

Its not good for them, but I would just wait and see if any start leaking.
Aug 17, 2006 at 1:21 PM

Suggested Repair

Drain and refill the old gasoline, or add a water-dispersing fuel treatment. Drain the radiator and install a new thermostat. Complete the planned tune-up and oil change, then monitor seals and only replace them if leaks appear.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Toyota Tacoma with a 2.7L engine and automatic transmission asked how to prepare it for the road after two years of sitting, beyond a tune-up and oil change. The expert recommended draining and refilling the fuel or treating it, draining the radiator, and replacing the thermostat. When asked about dry-rotted seals, the expert advised waiting to see whether any leaks develop rather than replacing them preemptively.

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