Storing a spare engine

#1

What’s the best way to store a spare engine? I planned to have it sit on an engine stand until I was ready for it. No coolant and some el cheapo oil. Just replaced all the seals and gaskets, maybe it should be stored with the type of oil I plan to run in it? Any suggestions?

#2

Plug up the intake, exhaust, and coolant fittings and remove each plug and spritz each cylinder with oil. Then turn the engine over a few times and put the plugs back in. It should then tolerate a long period of storage

#3

Sorry, I’m a little slow…

Do I just put a little oil in each cylinder and call it good? Or a little in each cylinder PLUS the normal amount in the pan? Good oil or cheap oil?

Thanks

#4

You don’t need oil in the pan.

#5

Use ATF on the cylinder walls. It will not run off and will protect the walls from rust. If it will sit a long time, I would remove the timing belt (you’ll want a new before running anyway) and turn the oil pump to prime the motor prior to starting. Chuck

#6

Don’t forget to keep the valve stem seals lubricated. A few drops of oil every now and then will do the trick. Without it, if it sits long enough, they will dry out and crack…then leak when the engine is finally fired back up. Once a month is probably way overkill, but it’s easy enough to do, and kinda cheap insurance…