The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Long term engine storage

I have a couple of engines that I'm saving for future projects; one 6 cyl and one V8. Is there a recommended procedure for prepping them for long term storage? They'll be inside my shop with no heat or AC. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Someday when I get time I will put a US Army document from WW2 on my website that is all about mothballing engines. But they assume you are taking them all apart and slathering engine rebuild grease all over everything including engine sheet metal, then buttoning it all back up.

I think for most of us, just draining the fluids, install fresh oil, run the oil pump so oil is circulated everywhere at the onset, then plugging every single hole would suffice. If you cover it, which isnt a bad idea, I would get one of those LARGE clear bags and seal it up. Put 50/50 anti-freeze in them and use whatever fittings you need to seal it in.

Since your humidity is about the same there as it is here, I think as long as it's in your shop, covered and tight, considering the above, you will find them in the same shape you put them in 10 years from now.

Drain as much oil as possible, then block off the intake and exhaust. I use metal block plates after removing the carburetor and exhaust pipes, or just remove the manifolds and block the ports well. Then turn the engine upside down. The residual oil left over after draining the crankcase will migrate toward the combustion chambers and keep the rings from rusting to the cylinder walls, and the blocked-off intake and exhaust ports will prevent humidity from cycling in and out of the cylinders with valves that are open. You can also loosen up the valve adjustments to make sure all the valves stay closed before inverting the engine.
Jerry

I would get some "fogging oil" and spray it into each cylinder, turn the motor and fog it again. As Jerry said drain the oil and store it upside down. You could also give the crankcase a shot of fogging oil through the drain plug for good measure. The fogging oil should help in displacing any existing moisture prior to bagging the engine. I think you should be fine.

SimS

AND, if you don't do something like Hotrod and SimS said you will get something like I just found in a cylinder of the 216 I just picked up. A whole bunch of red rust that keeps the engine from completely turning over. I am in the soaking, cleaning and honing process right now to see if I can salvage this situation easily.

I am open to suggestions, but it looks like a complete tear down is in the future.

I know a guy that has stored a couple of engines by leaving them with some antifreeze in them and putting about a tablespoon of Marvel oil in each cylinder, and about once a year he will turn the engines by hand a couple of revolutions.