Long term engine storage

[laserjock]

Hey guys,

Spare engine is on the stand right now and I think I'm going to rebuild the on in my truck. Brings up a couple questions.

1. Anything special I should do to store this thing long term aside from plugging up all the holes to keep the varmints out?

2. What do you guys store them on. I really don't want to leave it on a stand. It takes up too much room. I can put it under a set of shelves but I've not seen a good cradle for these guys on wheels.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[MIDNIGHT RIDER]

It is a simple matter to fabricate a carriage on stout casters from a good dis-carded pallet and some miscellaneous pieces of wood.

Be certain to cover the intake AND exhaust with something that mice won't eat; a combination of window-screen and Reynold's Wrap works well.

So long as you remember to remove it before cranking, it is not a bad idea to let a bit of fuel or WD-40 or somesuch stand on top of each piston to prevent a ring of rust from developing; better yet is to fire it up every couple weeks for half-a-minute.

I have often fired and ran 6BTs with no more support than the oil-pan sitting on blocks of wood.

If storage is going to be long-term, change out the old water-logged acid-filled oil and replace with new; bargain-brand will be fine for this.

 

[icanfixall]

Any shopping card is easily modifed to hold an idi engine. Just use the very bottom part of it. Don't try to set the engine in the basket. Thats too high a center of gravity. Sealing both the intake and exhaust with vermin proof material is important. Replacing the oil with cheap oil is a very good idea. Cranking the engine over every few months is a good idea too. Remember the piston oil coolers will be spraying oil up under the pistons keeping the cylinder wet under them. Some of that oil stays on all of the cylinder even after the rings have scraped clean the cylinders. If the glow plugs are removed the engine will crank faster and better oil pressure is spraying up under the pistons. REplace the plugs after this to keep everything sealed.

 

[laserjock]

Thanks for the suggestions. So it sounds like you guys are just setting them on the oil pan. I was a little squemish about that. I guess it would be okay for storage purposes. I could drain it, refill with cheap stuff, take it off the stand and set it down to put the flex plate and starter back on so a stout battery or two could turn it over once in a while. Do you bolt them down in anyway or just some straps of some sort?

 

[icanfixall]

I never set an idi on the oil pan. Some simple blocks proped up under the engine mount brackets works fine. I use 4x4 wood for that.

 

[laserjock]

Got ya. Glad it wasn't just me being paranoid.

 

[riotwarrior]

Is this a rebuilt/remaned engine you are storing or an old one? Makes a difference

If new rebuilt not run, seal it well, bag it add a desiccant bag or two on intake etc and vacuum all air outta the bag and seal that up!

I'll try to do a rough sketch of the motor boxes we would make for use in Auto Wrecking or I just may have a pic floating around.

Bottom line keep moisture out along with creatures!

JM2CW but would offer more if I truly knew more

 

[laserjock]

It's a used take out running motor. It will be dry stored in the garage or shed. Any ideas or sketches are appreciated. I'm having a hard time finding casters heavy enough reasonable. Actually considering picking up a smaller engine stand and cutting it up.

 

[icanfixall]

Reason why not to rest an idi engine on the bottom of the oil pan is the oil pump pickup screen suction is only about 1/8 inch off the bottom of the pan. This also is why its nearly impossible to remove the oil pan with the engine still in the truck.