Engine storage advice

When I bought my Jeep, I received an extra 360 fully assembled, as well as another 360 that is completely dis-assembled. My question is about the dis-assembled engine and how I can store it. Right now it is in my garage, on a tarp on the floor. It is getting more and more rust on the piston bores, as well as the crank journals, piston rods, etc. among other places/things. It looked pretty good when I first got it in August with only light rust. Looked like it had already had a bath.

Is the rust going to hurt it? How should I store it until I'm ready to work on it. Any advice is welcome.

The assembled engine is on an engine stand...also waiting.

Thanks.
Norm

 

at the very least take a little motor oil and wipe it on all exposed steel surfaces to keep the air and moisture away from the metal. you can do this over what rust is there and let it soak in.

you can buy spray on protector grease at the auto parts or the Home depot. good for long term storage.

 

What we used to use at the Machine shop for longish term rust prevention was a mix of STP and WD-40, I believe it was a 50/50 mix but I can't be sure since I never made it.

Use a spray bottle and put it on liberally. Someone will respond about the rust.

 

Thanks for the quick replies.

Ever feel like you are in a juggling act...trying to fix up the parts that need fixing...and trying to keep the one's that don't from needing fixing...

Be honest, how many people knowingly smiled at that one?

 

If it is going to be a long time until you get around to working on it again, the areas that have been machined, ie crank and rod journals, piston sleeves, should have grease applied. Other bare metal should have oil applied as above, wrapping bare metal with oil soaked rags is also a good idea. But if this is done, the parts need to be stored somewhere away from heavy moisture.(NOT ON THE Floor) The rags can dry out and then hold moisture against your bare metal. I store most of my items like this in the loft area of my garage.
I use heavy grease on the hydraulic arms on my snow plow when it is stored for the summer.