Preserve engine for a while - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gysgtc · 08-17-2011, 06:08 AM

What can I do to preserve my engine till I get ready to install it? It is rebuilt and all together.

rsavage · 08-17-2011, 06:30 AM

If it is on a stand, you can buy some engine fogging spray, pull all the plugs, spray a good amount in each bore through the plug hole and turn the motor over by hand to fully coat the cylinders. If the intake is off, spray the lifter gallery and do the same thing under the valve covers (pull them off if you have to spray rocker arms, push rods). Keep the motor covered to keep dust and dirt out of it and most importantly, keep it in a temperature controlled space, i.e. heated area that is not damp. Swings of temperatures in the winter in our area can cause condensation to form inside.

68 IRON · 08-18-2011, 11:06 AM

A buddy of mine would turn his engine over I think 1 1/4 times at the balancer after spinning the oil pump for about 30 seconds. Get the oil moving and turn it. He did this every 3 - 7 days. This helps to keep the springs and surfaces fresh (the same springs arent compressed all the time and seals arent sitting static). If you can, store it on a stand.

Lee H · 08-18-2011, 11:43 AM

How long do you need to preserve it for?
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Gene · 08-18-2011, 06:17 PM

I removed mine and stripped it down to a bare block and covered everything with WD-40. I stored mine for 8 years before rebuilding, not a bit of rust anywhere.

clear · 08-18-2011, 06:26 PM

I let mine sit for a year+ untill I got it running. Seems like it's ok.

bigsnookmaster · 08-18-2011, 09:44 PM

You can also use Marvel Mystery Oil and put it in a spray bottle, and use as mentioned above. It's good stuff that's been around a very long time!

gysgtc · 08-19-2011, 06:23 AM

It is going to be about a year before it will be installed

Lee H · 08-19-2011, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gysgtc

It is going to be about a year before it will be installed

Put a teaspoon of oil in each cylinder, turn it over a few times and bag it. Do the same when you unbag it and be sure to pre-lube very well before starting. During pre-lube make sure you get oil at each rocker.
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Grimpala · 08-19-2011, 03:52 PM

I would not use WD40. Once it dries it actually attracts rust. Use a light oil and coat every machined surface. Might not be a bad idea to tear the engine down if it's going to be stored that long. At the very least take the valve springs off of it if you can.

08-17-2011, 06:08 AM	#1
gysgtc Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Sutton, WV Posts: 340	Preserve engine for a while What can I do to preserve my engine till I get ready to install it? It is rebuilt and all together.

08-17-2011, 06:30 AM	#2
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: Preserve engine for a while If it is on a stand, you can buy some engine fogging spray, pull all the plugs, spray a good amount in each bore through the plug hole and turn the motor over by hand to fully coat the cylinders. If the intake is off, spray the lifter gallery and do the same thing under the valve covers (pull them off if you have to spray rocker arms, push rods). Keep the motor covered to keep dust and dirt out of it and most importantly, keep it in a temperature controlled space, i.e. heated area that is not damp. Swings of temperatures in the winter in our area can cause condensation to form inside. __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

08-18-2011, 11:06 AM	#3
68 IRON Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 736	Re: Preserve engine for a while A buddy of mine would turn his engine over I think 1 1/4 times at the balancer after spinning the oil pump for about 30 seconds. Get the oil moving and turn it. He did this every 3 - 7 days. This helps to keep the springs and surfaces fresh (the same springs arent compressed all the time and seals arent sitting static). If you can, store it on a stand.

08-18-2011, 11:43 AM	#4
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Preserve engine for a while How long do you need to preserve it for? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

08-18-2011, 06:17 PM	#5
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: Preserve engine for a while I removed mine and stripped it down to a bare block and covered everything with WD-40. I stored mine for 8 years before rebuilding, not a bit of rust anywhere. __________________ 1971 SWB 4X4 Build BOARD MEMBER #5448 BOOMER SOONER!!!!

08-18-2011, 06:26 PM	#6
clear Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NM Posts: 46	Re: Preserve engine for a while I let mine sit for a year+ untill I got it running. Seems like it's ok.

08-18-2011, 09:44 PM	#7
bigsnookmaster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St.Petersburg,Fl Posts: 1,267	Re: Preserve engine for a while You can also use Marvel Mystery Oil and put it in a spray bottle, and use as mentioned above. It's good stuff that's been around a very long time! __________________ greg http://community.webshots.com/user/68406Stepside

08-19-2011, 06:23 AM	#8
gysgtc Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Sutton, WV Posts: 340	Re: Preserve engine for a while It is going to be about a year before it will be installed

08-19-2011, 03:52 PM	#10
Grimpala Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Rockwall, TX Posts: 84	Re: Preserve engine for a while I would not use WD40. Once it dries it actually attracts rust. Use a light oil and coat every machined surface. Might not be a bad idea to tear the engine down if it's going to be stored that long. At the very least take the valve springs off of it if you can.



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