Topic: Storing engine
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Lifetime MemberDeBerry, TX - USA
Joined: 2/27/2002
Posts: 1006
Vette(s): 1971 383 Stroker- mille miglia red...5 speed
Like JimG, I'm putting another engine in MY money pit and storing the #'s matching original. My question is... what is the best way to prepare and store it? I will only be using the intake, carb, fuel pump and oil pan as far as I know. Should it be sealed airtight, etc., etc., etc.? Maybe even throw in some desiccate? I'd sure appreciate some pointers on this procedure.
I know the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty cool ideas... 
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I don't want to hijack this thread (more like stealing away on a rail car), but I'd like some info on this topic too. I'm working on getting the original engine shipped down here. I'm looking at long-term storage - likely a decade or longer. The engine will need a rebuild whenever it needs to see life again. I've heard of putting the block ina 55 gallon drum filled with oil. 
jgoglick 2006-11-26 20:42:32
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IF he hasn't already pulled the engine out, the best way to keep the innerds lubed is to "pickle" it. You heard me!
With the engine running about 2500-3000rpms, pour some tranny fluid down thru the carb, until the engine almost stalls out. Keep pouring it in until the exhaust looks like a skeeter fogger....lots-o-smoke. Then, pour enough fluid in it until it completely dies...not locks up, just stalls out. Your engine is now pickled, and will store for quite a long time without fear of rust/corrosion inside the cylinders/heads.
Once the engine is out, back off all of the rocker arms so there is no tension on any of them. Now, all of the valves are closed, and nothing can get into the cylinders, and the valve springs will be "relaxed".
With the intake and pan off, the only good way to "seal" it is to spray it down really well with WD40(or similar product), and then wrap it up nice & tight with thick plastic. A couple of bags/sacks of dessicant wouldn't hurt.
Then...sneak it into the bedroom closet before Mama see it!(not)
Just find a safe place to stick it where it won't get banged around. If you have to store it on end, be sure to use a couple of wooden blocks to keep it up off of the crank.
With the engine running about 2500-3000rpms, pour some tranny fluid down thru the carb, until the engine almost stalls out. Keep pouring it in until the exhaust looks like a skeeter fogger....lots-o-smoke. Then, pour enough fluid in it until it completely dies...not locks up, just stalls out. Your engine is now pickled, and will store for quite a long time without fear of rust/corrosion inside the cylinders/heads.
Once the engine is out, back off all of the rocker arms so there is no tension on any of them. Now, all of the valves are closed, and nothing can get into the cylinders, and the valve springs will be "relaxed".
With the intake and pan off, the only good way to "seal" it is to spray it down really well with WD40(or similar product), and then wrap it up nice & tight with thick plastic. A couple of bags/sacks of dessicant wouldn't hurt.
Then...sneak it into the bedroom closet before Mama see it!(not)
Just find a safe place to stick it where it won't get banged around. If you have to store it on end, be sure to use a couple of wooden blocks to keep it up off of the crank.
Joel Adams
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Lifetime MemberHot Springs, AR - USA
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[QUOTE=jgoglick]I don't want to hijack this thread (more like stealing away on a rail car), but I'd like some info on this topic too. I'm working on getting the original engine shipped down here. I'm looking at long-term storage - likely a decade or longer. The engine will need a rebuild whenever it needs to see life again. I've heard of putting the block ina 55 gallon drum filled with oil. [/QUOTE]
[/QUOTE]
thats the method Ive used..
I save all my oil from oil changes and such and dump it into a 55 gal drum
i dont take care to make sure the oil "matches"
ill put diff/engine oil in and trans fluid in..
it will take two drums for an engine and heads..
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
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Now that thar is not funny!! The last time I got pickled and my exhaust looked like a skeeter fogger, Mama was a beatin' me with a broom instead of soakin me down with WD40!! I tell ya, I get no respect!! 
LukesVette 2006-11-26 21:21:40
On a serious note, Joel's advice naile this in the head as usual. If you happen to have any bare metal, I would just add to hit it with the WD40 every couple of months as the rust monster aleays manages to find his way in!! 
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Lifetime MemberDeBerry, TX - USA
Joined: 2/27/2002
Posts: 1006
Vette(s): 1971 383 Stroker- mille miglia red...5 speed
Sounds like a plan, Joel. I don't know if the engine is out yet or not... find out tomorrow. Iffin it ain't, I'll have it pickled. 
Thanks...
Thanks... I know the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty cool ideas...
in Forum: C3 Engines
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