How often should I start my bus? (Revisited)

[Hat City]

First of all, Thank you all for documenting so much of your experiences here! I've been reading through this forum for months, but this is my first post as I finally bought my bus and moved it onto my property.

I've read previous threads here on the topic of "How often should I start my bus," and I understand it to be a question with no clear answer. But I thought that my circumstances might result in a more clear answer:

- My bus is parked on the driveway for the winter, while I do up the interior;
- In the spring it'll be driven 500 feet to a camp spot, where it'll sit for 3-5 years;
- It'll then be driven to its final resting place, 500 feet further. I'll sell the engine, tranny, etc. and be left with an immobile skoolie-cabin.

So my question is: What should I do to ensure the bus is still capable of limping along after 5 years of sitting?

I was thinking of simply topping up the fuel tank, leaving the batteries in, and starting it up every 2 weeks for 30 mins of idling. I understand this may weaken the compression, but maybe that doesn't matter in my case?

[ermracing]

Once you move it in the spring, yank out and sell the drive train. In 3-5 years find a buddy with a skidder or some other contraption to haul it the final 500 ft.

[TJones]

Originally Posted by ermracing

Once you move it in the spring, yank out and sell the drive train. In 3-5 years find a buddy with a skidder or some other contraption to haul it the final 500 ft.

Sell the engine and tranny now and see if you can get the buyer to yank it out. It would be easier to sell for more $$$ if it can be started up and driven. Then push pull or drag it to its final resting place.

Ted

[plfking]

Originally Posted by TJones

Sell the engine and tranny now........ It would be easier to sell for more $$$ if it can be started up and driven.

+1 and +1 and +1

[JDOnTheGo]

I agree with the others.

Simply starting/idling is generally insufficient to get the engine/trans up to temperature and long idle periods are no longer recommended - at least on modern diesel engines. Another concern will be the damage that rodents may do to your electrical system.

The type of engine (gas/diesel) and climate (where are you located) may make some difference.

[PNW_Steve]

I agree with the others.

Sell the drive train soon then tow the bus to it's final spot.

I have seen full size buses towed ( slowly and carefully) with a 1 ton pickup.

[Mark_In_MA]

I would sell that stuff now while you know its still worth something.


First, a drivetrain is supposed to move - and that's how buyers like to see/hear it. They want to drive it, and hear the engine start/run.

Second, it's on a nice concrete driveway now. Drive a truck up with the tools, jack, lift, whatever you need. No need to worry about messing up someone's lawn, or leaving tire tracks where they don't belong.

If it hasn't been routinely started and driven, and there's a possibility that I have to crawl around in the mud to pull components, I'm going to offer a whole lot less for it.