360 engine re-build then storage

Sticking to my theme of all things engines...if I rebuild an engine this winter how long can I leave it afterward without actually installing it in the Jeep or starting it? I don't want to build the thing, then six months later find out that I waited too long to start it and something freezes up, or the assembly lube no longer works.

 

no expert but I've been told 6 months.
I've seen them sit longer than that though.

 

I think if you fill the plug holes with Marvel Mystery oil turn it over a bunch of time either by hand or starter, then refill them and install old plugs it should be fine. Marvel does wonders. I have never heard of an engine having a shelf life once it was rebuilt, but then again I don't rebuild motors for living either. Use marvel, maybe turn it over by hand and refill the cylinders every 6 months I think you will be fine.

 

IMO you should be able to store the engine indefinitely if it is prepped properly. Of course, if you store it in a flooded garage or such, that's different. I'd expect that, if you oil all the machined surfaces, wrap the engine carefully in plastic (maybe with some dessicant?), and store indoors or in a dry garage, it will be fine for much longer than 6 mo. JMO.

 

As usual, you guys give some great advice. Thanks so far.

We did talk about preservation already (great stuff there too). I have three engines to deal with, so one goes to storage, one gets re-built, and one will probably be sold.

Norm

 

I would be more than happy to store that in my CJ. You probably wouldn't ever get it back though

I agree with the above, even if you go back to it later and the cylinders have seized a little, some penetrating lube and a couple of days waited should unseize it. Keep it on high ground so if the "crick rises" you won't end up with an anchorR)

High5:stout:

 

I have taken motorcycles that have sat (with no prep) for as much as 20 years, shot a little penitrating oil into the cylinders to free them up and then started the engine.

If the engine is complete(plugs, oil pan, covers in place, intake and exhaust in place) and kept out of the weather, it should suffer little from sitting.