I have a rebuilt 351W on a stand in my garage. This is the "engine without a home". I bought it from a guy who bought it from the guy who rebuilt it. It was intended for use in several different projects but, for whatever reasons, never made it into an engine bay. My question is: what are the precautions one should take when storing an engine long-term? I was thinking of putting it in my 1960 F100, but just hate to part with the old inline six. I heard that it's a good idea to spin it once in a while so that the valve springs don't always stay in the same position--don't know if that's true...should I squirt oil in it from time to time? I'm still pretty far down on the "mechanic's learning curve", so any advice on this would be appreciated. It's a fresh rebuilt motor and I don't want any neglect on my part to cause any damage...thanks.

 

Im glad you asked that question. I just picked up a 302 with an aod and will be storing it for a future project. mine isnt rebuilt yet but hopefully will be.

 

If i were you i would build/buy a stand that you can periodically start the engine and run it for a while. such as this:

Engine Start / Test Stand Plans - Ford, GM, Mopar : eBay Motors (item 230387322882 end time Mar-10-10 15:12:56 PST)

This would allow you to simulate taking the "beauty queen/ trailer queen" for a spin around the block. Having a stand will make it easy to start and will make sure 100% that the engine will not have any hidden problems when you finally do put it in a vehicle.

P.S. Im looking for a 351w. What year blocks should i look for? Can you offer any advice such as what you wish you had in it looking back?

 

I am just completing the build on a 383 stroker for Willard. It will be at least another year before Willard is ready for the engine. I assembled it with assembly (oil soluble) grease and will not fire it up at this time (despite the temptation since I have access to an engine dyno if I want it). I liberally coated the cylinder walls with oil and I will turn it over by hand every so often.

 

Unless you run it long enough to bring the oil up to 180 degrees for an extended period, all you accomplish by periodic running is filling the crankcase with condensation and combustion byproducts. If it's a freshly rebuilt engine, this is especially hard on rings that haven't seated under load.

I've put three engines back on the road after sitting for 5 - 7 yrs, it is amazing but as long as they are sealed up, there is oil everywhere in them. Squirting a little in each cylinder and turning it over a little by hand is a good idea every so often, but otherwise nothing special is needed. What's worse for a valve spring, being compressed 2,000 times a minute for a couple thousand hours, or sitting in one place for a couple years?

 

I stored two engines in the past...one for about five years and the second one nearly 11 years. In both instances I did nothing but keep the intake and exhaust outlets sealed to prevent critters from entering. Both engines fired up when I was ready to use them with no obvious consequences...

 

I would pull the valve covers and loosen up the rocker arms if your planning on long term storage.

 

Do what TxF100 suggests. Plus block off openings such as intake, exhaust , coolant passages. Varmint can play havoc! Before starting prime oil system. That is another question.