Thread: Long-term storage of my Defender

Have done this myself with a hj monaro, yep blocks to save your tyres and disconnect battery, but bare in mind if it's not run properly regularly you'll be changing the oil when you come back anyway. My best advice to you is a full tank of fuel to prevent moisture/ condensation in your fuel tank and whack in some "STA-BIL" to keep your fuel fresh and ready when you get back....oh and be prepared for a flat battery on your return because connected or not they all go flat over time. Happy travels

If there's a bit of light in the shed, from skylight or something, then fit a solar charger to the battery. It'll keep the battery in better condition for longer. just lie it on the bonnet or roof facing where most light will come from most often.

Clean oil and make sure your coolant is still fresh. The LR green coolant can be checked on litmus paper for the correct pH. Up on axle stands/blocks and disconnect the battery, never had a problem with fuel issues on the diesel down here in the south. Diesel snot can be problem if there is contact with water, I think more an issue in the tropical areas but filling the tank should reduce the scope for condensation. You will have to consider the brake fluid on return, just do a service on the vehicle as per elapsed time no kilometres.

I've never had to do this, but something I read a while ago recommended plugging the exhaust system immediately after shutting down the engine, prevents moist ambient air getting in and condensation causing internal corrosion.
I'd be changing all fluids when you get back.

Joshuah, my two bobs worth, but my situation was a bit different – older vehicle and out in the open.
I had to do this many years ago, 2 years overseas and wanted to store my 109 2A. I went to RAC to ask advice and the girl there handed me a brochure that started “find a reputable car storage company…” and no other advice.
So, I found I couldn’t afford to store it with a reputable company so this is what I did:
Parked it up in a friends paddock; (so you are streets ahead if you are undercover..)
Changed all the fluids;
Filled the fuel tanks to the brim to avoid condensation;
Put the chassis on blocks/axle stands – wheels off the ground weight off the springs;
Plugged all engine orifices – air filter, breathers, exhaust;
Got a tin of fish oil and sprayed underneath – because I was parked on grass;
Disconnected the battery – and was happy to write this off;
Covered the vehicle in a tarp – probably not necessary but needed to store one anyway.
Last thing before leaving it, should I leave the vents open or close? I chose open so it could breathe through two hot summers.
2 years later I rock up with a battery, she starts first time, and gave no trouble on the old petrol. BUT, generations of varmints, mice I guess had been living in there with access through the vents. They made plenty of nests out of stuff I had in the back but had done no damage to wiring although some were in the Behind Dashboard Penthouse, however it took years for the land rover smell to come back.

I can’t think of much else you could do apart from have someone start it up occasionally.

Cheers

Tom

Periodically running it won't do anything good. The engine won't get warm and you'll be left with startup deposits and Wear from each time.

I would just remove the battery, put it on blocks and fill fuel to the top.

I can't see any reason to change oils and brake fluid for dry storage.
I'd be more worried about vermin than the mechanicals.

put a few rat sack baits around in case some one gets hungry and gets into engine bay for snacks