How to store an Engine Long Term?

[ndemge]

if you read the "spare 350" thread....<br /><br />Will be storing the engine out of the van until I find a better use for it.<br /><br />What the best way?... Here's what I plan on doing:<br /><br />-Leave the recently changed oil in there.<br /><br />-Before unhooking the starter, remove plugs, squirt in some oil, turn it over a couple times and re-insert plugs<br /><br />-Drain Coolant<br /><br />-Shrinkwrap the entire engine covering all openings<br /><br />Anything else I should do for long term storage?<br />Should I leave it where it's accessible to go out and spin it a rev one a year, or is that neccesary?

 

[ZmOz]

Re: How to store an Engine Long Term?

Sounds good to me. No reason to turn it over every year as long as you oil the cylinders first...

 

[craze1cars]

Re: How to store an Engine Long Term?

It's pretty important to pull the valve covers and release the tension on the valve springs. Otherwise the compressed springs may stay that way and you'll have problems due to weak springs. Of course if you're planning to replace the springs later, no need.<br /><br />Just reset the lash when you take it out of retirement.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: How to store an Engine Long Term?

Originally posted by ZmOz:<br /> Sounds good to me. No reason to turn it over every year as long as you oil the cylinders first...

Not a bad Idea though, moves some residual oil over the cam lobes. Also if you want to be anal, you could back all of the rocker arms off so the springs can all relax.

 

[ndemge]

Re: How to store an Engine Long Term?

you both posted at the exact same time, ...sounds like I need to relax my springs