After rebuilding a '68 350 to put into my '74 Cutlass Supreme that I love using for long trips, due to a weird intermittent noise I could never find in the original engine, I discovered when the engine was pulled that it was nothing but a flex plate that was cracked in 3 places. I had mentioned this in another thread. Expensive "misdiagnosis" on my part. Anyways, I want to save this original, good running engine. It has 150 psi in all 8 cylinders and 40 to 60 psi of oil pressure. Used no oil. (Why I was stumped at the noise)I am going to keep it on a stand indoors like I kept the replacement engine for years. Any of you have any good ideas for preservation of this engine beyond fogging the cylinders, and ports, as well as covering the openings? I want to keep this like it is now. I may install new pan and timing cover gaskets, clean it up and painting it before storage.

 

 

Release the tension on the valve springs that are compressed if it is very long term storage so that the valves close and the springs relax??? In days past some would put a lot of oil in it as in way overfilled using reasonably clean drain oil to prevent it from seizing while sitting.

 

Wrapping the entire engine in a weather-proof seal is a good idea e.g. HD plastic wrap.

 

I concur that releasing the load on the valve springs is a good idea. Also get a good quality spray fogging oil and liberally coat each cylinder through the spark plug holes. Rotate the engine a number of times to distribute that lube and reinstall the plugs. Cap the intake and exhaust flanges. If you do wrap with plastic, be sure to put dessicant inside the plastic - otherwise that will just hold in humidity.

 

Lots of good ideas on here. I didn't think about loosing or removing the rocker arms. Thanks

 

I usually put a Doorman expansion plug in the distributor hole if I am storing without the distributor installed.

Rubber Expansion Plug 1-3/8 In. - Size Range 1-3/8 In. - 1-1/2 In.

Also, I would tape over the carburetor intake holes and exhaust ports/exhaust manifold exit with a good tape.

 

I would just cover it with a blanket and leave it alone. Personally I think wrapping in plastic is the worse thing you can do especially if it is going to be somewhere with large temperature swings. Fogging oil cant hurt.

 

You got that right, i just went to the storage locker on the weekend and the condensation that was in the engine bay along with the new motor on a stand was mind blowing, it was all over the walls in the locker, my rims, everything, the blanket was soaked that was around the motor, if it would have been in plastic it probably would have been worse if you can call it that lol....now Im worried about my cylinder walls etc on this new build. Im just glad my mechanic just called me sunday saying the swap going to stary next weekend finally.

 

Plenty of good advice here. Plastic is like a diaper, holds moisture in as said. Fogging cylinders, over filling oil is a good idea and covering entry points to keep bugs and mice out, plenty of good ideas here. Also check it every now and then with a bore scope to make sure it stays that way.