Long term engine storage

[Jerry M.]

now

• Short block is assembled along with timing set, cam cover, balancer, oil pump and pick up, windage tray and oil pan.
• Cam is installed with plenty of lube but leaving the lifters out while in long term storage.
• Heads are installed, complete and torqued but no push rods yet to leave valve springs unloaded while in long term storage.
• Water pump with engine mount brace is installed.
• Will install a cast iron (349) intake and steel valve covers (temporarily while in storage) to seal off the engine.
• Seal/tape off all remaining openings in the intake, exhaust ports, water pump, etc.
• Store the engine assembly on a traditional engine stand, wrapped well in a moving blanket, then covered in a large plastic engine bag (from Jegs).

This assembly will be kept in my back garage which is unheated but well-sealed off from pest intruders and rarely opened in the winter. Can I leave this as such indefinitely or should I rotate the assembly periodically?
Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Jerry

[Mark E.]

Re: Long term engine storage

Disclaimer: I'm not an engine rebuilding expert.

I think the engine will be fine. Many used engines fire up fine after being dormant for years with no special storage preparation. I like your idea of keeping the valves closed and the engine sealed.

Two thoughts:

- When ready to start it, go through a proper engine priming process like you would with any new engine.

- I'm thinking the biggest risk is the seals drying out, especially the RMS. It's probably a small risk if properly pre-lubed and sealed in a bag, plus this would not be hard to correct after installation.

[Jerry M.]

Re: Long term engine storage

Thanks for the input Mark, appreciate it. I'm hoping some other members might still weigh in with some comments on my thoughts concerning the lifters and valve springs and any other issues.
Thanks again,
Jerry

[Michael F.]

Re: Long term engine storage

when bagging it put some desiccant packs in with engine to control moisture, change out per instruction

[Timothy B.]

Re: Long term engine storage

Squirt a fair amount of oil in the spark plug holes and rotate the crankshaft. With the lifters out I don't think you would be successful pre oiling the engine.

Close every hole and it will be fine for storage.

[Richard G.]

Re: Long term engine storage

My motor was rebuilt and not started for decades.
I pulled the heads before starting the motor to be sure their wasn't any damage.
The bores had been oiled and looked great with just a touch of flash rust in two of the bores.
They were cleaned up with a ball hone.
BTW the valves adjustments had been left loose so all the valves were closed.

I did find this:



The exhaust manifold and the first exhaust pipe were both on the car during storage.
The exhaust manifolds were removed for inspection/refinishing.
None of the other ports had any debris in them.
The engine was installed in the chassis all that time.
One exhaust port has mouse food in it, no rust on the valves thankfully. (Just food evidently
I was amazed a mouse would traverse both the pipe and the ram horns to save his lunch.
He would have had to walk the frame also to access the hole in the end of the exhaust pipe.
The other exhaust port has rust in it that flaked from the interior of the exhaust manifold.

My recommendation; Leave the exhaust manifolds off the motor and tape up the holes like others have recommended.
Only thing that concerns me is when it it gets very cold and then warms up fast.
Metal gets wet fast under those circumstances. Storage in some type of heated shop would be best.
If inside and heated isn't an option I would use the bag and desiccant, like Michael recommended.
Especially if your weather is like ours in the Pacific Northwest.
Rick

[Jeff W.]

Re: Long term engine storage

This is starting to sound like the same environment as a gun or photographic equipment storage safe. In those, dessicant must be periodically rotated and dried. For lower maintenance, guys use a heating element; some substitute a low wattage incandescent light bulb. Consider doing one of those.