I have a 130K ( supposedly) slight oil burner sat in my shed - everything was working prior to removal. I would like to store it in a way that means I can be used in the future - be it rebuild to cure oil burning or if it were to be used for some silly high power effort.
I'd like to suggest two components to this thread -
1. How to store an engine, what needs to be covered, what needs to be done periodically etc
2. What to check over before putting an engine in, be it from a breaker or your best mate, what to check prior to putting it in your car.
How to store an engine
- In the dry!
- Cover up all holes with metal (aluminium?) tape that sticks really well. Blue paper is not advised as you're just providing bedding for some types of residents.. and don't shove stuff into holes to block them up! always ensure that nothing is wedged into a hole, preference is to tape over.
- Once maybe twice a year, turn the engine over - (if you're not strong enough to turn it over take the sparks out, put a bit of oil down the bores as well but don't forget to put them back in!)
- Wrap the whole thing in clingfilm (industrial grade) - preventing any air gaps where possible. You want to look like a paranoid traveler who doesn't want anyone getting into their bag...
- Store it in a way that allows you to be able to turn the engine over! and put the reminder in your calendar to do it.
- an old tyre is an excellent means of holding the engine up (oil sump sits in the tyre) if you don't have an engine dolly.
What to check over before putting an engine in
- Has the previous owner stored it and maintained it as above?
- Replace the water pump and the thermostat
- Replace as many gaskets as you can see or find. (inlet manifold, exhaust manifold, valve cover)
- Check the timing chain tensionor for any leaks
- Replace the auxiliary belt (or at least check for cracking)
- Replace the clutch
Comments welcome and I'll update the top section.
I'd leave the plugs in, myself, and put up with it being harder work to turn it over.
Quote from: Carolyn on March 18, 2019, 11:43
I'd leave the plugs in, myself, and put up with it being harder work to turn it over.
Duly noted!
I am sure I read on here, pop a new sump on when you get to re-fit it. The old sump will probably have had a hard time being dragged and scraped when moving the engine around.
When storing an engine please do not put things IN holes to keep stuff out. Things in holes can disappear into the engine and cause blockages. Put things over holes using plastic with tie-wraps to hold in place, aluminium tape.
The only exception is DO put spark plugs in and nip them up. After, that is, squirting a little oil into each cylinder. Open spark plug holes will lead to a seized engine over time.
Ah, missed this post. Good info for me.
Happy for more tips.
I'll be storing it dry, but not warm. Any issues or tips?
You know me. I keep industrial quantities of stuff.
So once the engine is well sealed, I wrap the whole thing in cling-film, making sure there are no gaps to let moisture in.
Industrial sized roll of cling-film required.
Patrick, I imagine I've got at least one roll of pallet wrap kicking around the house if you want it?
Quote from: Bossworld on March 20, 2019, 17:20
Patrick, I imagine I've got at least one roll of pallet wrap kicking around the house if you want it?
That'd be fantastic. I'll come fetch it sometime.
Thanks heaps :)
Quote from: shnazzle on March 20, 2019, 17:25
Quote from: Bossworld on March 20, 2019, 17:20
Patrick, I imagine I've got at least one roll of pallet wrap kicking around the house if you want it?
That'd be fantastic. I'll come fetch it sometime.
Thanks heaps :)
I've found one in the garage, should be plenty to go around an engine