Storing an Engine/gearbox.

[Iamzod]

Is there anything that needs to be done when storing an engine that is going to sit unused for 4 - 6 months. I have been told by one person that i need to take out the spark plugs & pour oil down the bores to stop corrosion.

Is there anything else i need to do or is that pretty much it?

Also how about the gearbox, i presume i can just leave that as it is?. They're going to be sat in a garage, but it can get quite cold in there & condensation forms in the winter.

The engine will be being stripped down & re-built before it's ever used.

 

[Acolyte]

Well if it were being stored, id be inclined to fill it completly with oil as you say to stop corrosion.

Dont think you need to do much more.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

I'd take out the spark plugs and take off the carb and spray some WD-40 in there. I'd give the whole assembly a healthy covering in WD-40 then put it in a plastic bag in a corner of your shop.

EDIT: If it's going to be rebuilt you might not need to do anything since you won't care about flash rust of freshly machine parts.

 

[Clarkey]

Only thing I can say is be careful not to dent the sump if you put it on the floor, sometimes they can dent and push the bottom up into contact with the oil pickup, which obviously is not good.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Only thing I can say is be careful not to dent the sump if you put it on the floor, sometimes they can dent and push the bottom up into contact with the oil pickup, which obviously is not good.

If I don't have a stand handy I like to sit the engine on a few old tires. If you don't have any laying around drive down to a tire shop and ask if you can have a couple of old ones.

 

[Iamzod]

Thanks for the replies.

I'd take out the spark plugs and take off the carb and spray some WD-40 in there. I'd give the whole assembly a healthy covering in WD-40 then put it in a plastic bag in a corner of your shop.

Theres no carb to worry about at the moment as its an EFI engine, but i'm probably going to get rid of the EFI anyway & stick a carb on it.

 

[Jonny69]

4-6 months is no time at all. I've left Ford engines standing for up to two years down the side alley. It was covered from the weather and I didn't bother oiling it or anything. Just stuck some oil down the bores before I was ready to use it again and turned it over a few times by hand. When stripped there were no signs of corrosion or anything. I had one without a head on it too, just gave it a spray down with 3-in-1 every now and then.

I'd just say keep it off the ground (stick it on wooden blocks) and cover it with something or it'll be covered in crud by the time you go to use it.

 

[nutcase]

Keep it dry and it'll be fine. No need to dump any oil in, and definitely don't use WD 40

Leave the plugs in, and stuff some paper towel in any open manifold ports etc. to stop bugs getting in.

My engine sat for 14 years (in the car, so dry) and was fine.