Storing an engine

[tsiawd90]

What should I do to store the damaged engine I removed from my car? Should I tear it down and have the block and head machined then plastic wrap or is it ok to store the engine as is? Currently it is a complete long block that I pulled from the car.

 

[rabenne]

You say damaged.... How damaged? If repairable, you will want to ensure it doesn't rust, obviously.

Best probably would be disassemble, get it machined, oil it liberally, and bag it until you are ready to build it.*

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Give me an air impact and I can tear one down in about an hour, done!
I would take it apart, access the damage and proceed with either machining or lube it all up and bag it until that time comes.
That's just me......well and @rabenne

 

[tsiawd90]

I do not suspect major damage. likely it is just the valves. I'll confirm when I tear it down.

Any tips on best practice for bagging?

I actually think I will store it torn down and bagged I would prefer to have the machine shop prepare it when I am ready to build it, that way it is fresh for the build when the time comes.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I do not suspect major damage. likely it is just the valves. I'll confirm when I tear it down.

Any tips on best practice for bagging?

I actually think I will store it torn down and bagged I would prefer to have the machine shop prepare it when I am ready to build it, that way it is fresh for the build when the time comes.

I've heard of people using vacuum sealed bags to keep the moisture out. Try searching for some of those.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Thick contractor bags from a lumber yard work fantastic. They are usually black tho so you will need to grab some masking tape and label all of the bags so you know what is there without having to un-bag it. Hog it all down with WD40 or your favorite lube, generously, and put it all in one spot .

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I actually can't find any vacuum bags large enough, but here's this: https://www.speedinc.com/engine-storage-bags.html

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Those are a lot like my machine shop would put mine in.
I would bet a machine shop would sell/give you a few if they were gonna get some business

 

[buddahboost]

Don't use WD-40!!!!! I used WD40 it on my fresh machined full filled o-ring'd block. Stored it in my garage. Year later, shit was f***n rusted. Sat thru illinois winter and humid summers. Very expensive mistake

I have another used assembled block that I sprayed down with white silicone grease and not a spec of rust. Been sitting since May 2018

Good read
https://www.chevelles.com/forums/18-engine/165234-prepping-bare-block-long-term-storage.html

What you really should use
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...vFogckY3UUKz_hVoW-BoC2dgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[tsiawd90]

Don't use WD-40!!!!! I used WD40 it on my fresh machined full filled o-ring'd block. Stored it in my garage. Year later, sh** was f***n rusted. Sat thru illinois winter and humid summers. Very expensive mistake

I have another used assembled block that I sprayed down with white silicone grease and not a spec of rust. Been sitting since May 2018

Good read
https://www.chevelles.com/forums/18-engine/165234-prepping-bare-block-long-term-storage.html

What you really should use
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...vFogckY3UUKz_hVoW-BoC2dgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Thanks for letting me know. This product seems to be specifically made for this. When I break it down next week I'll make sure to use this.

 

[FireyIce01]

Don't use WD-40!!!!! I used WD40 it on my fresh machined full filled o-ring'd block. Stored it in my garage. Year later, sh** was f***n rusted.

THIS.

WD-40 is not a lubricant, it is a penetrant with water-displacing properties - really good at cleaning all that oil and grease off, and great if you get water in your distributor (not really a DSM issue... ), but it doesn't adhere, and when you're done, the block is bare. Use it as a cleaner if you must, but make sure you liberally oil the heck out of it afterwards to keep it from rusting

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

I have gone as far as putting wheel bearing grease on all the journals and cylinders for extended storage. Never get any rust under that. Fogging oil or your choice of lubes for the rest.