Proper way to store an engine?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Proper way to store an engine?
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.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
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?
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?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
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.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,294
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
If i were you i would build/buy a stand that you can periodically start the engine and run it for a while...
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.
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.
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?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
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...
Senior User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Land & Bandera, TX
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'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?
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: SE IA
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.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ericconn
Vehicles for Sale
1
Sep 8, 2014 12:08 PM
barbsbuddy
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Jan 17, 2012 06:39 AM
Ford79
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
22
Nov 7, 2006 05:32 PM
