Long Term Engine Storage
 

I will be storing a 502 MPI for two years or so in a garage. Are there any steps beyond the obvious winterization that I need to do? Does the engine need to be spun periodically, should I squirt oil in the cylinders, etc?

Thanks for the help

Re: Long Term Engine Storage
 

If its still runnable, fog it and put fresh oil & filter substituting 1 qt w/marvel mystery. If not runnable, still change the oil and sqirt some oil in the cyl's. Probably be a good idea to loosen the rockers as well. Thats all I can think of for now.

Re: Long Term Engine Storage
 

Or just ship it to me .....I'll "stow" it for ya ..... :D

Re: Long Term Engine Storage
 

Thanks for the rsponses. Do you think the engine needs to be spun periodicaly so the bearings don't score their mating surfaces?

Re: Long Term Engine Storage
 

I think turing it would be good for the srpings if you didnt loosen them but I dont think it would be good for the bearings. Id leave it be after prepping it and then prelube it after the storage before turning it at all. I dont think turning it with no oil pressure to the bearings would be a good idea. Id oil down the cylinders and treat or drain the fuel system, have good oil in it, seal the water system with antifreeze or something to keep it from rusting. Bag it real good to help keep condensation from forming, spray the exterior down good too with something to keep any rust away.

Re: Long Term Engine Storage
 

You didn't say if the engine is still in the boat or not.
Need this info before I can give my two cents worth.

Re: Long Term Engine Storage
 

In addition I would seal exhaust & carb/efi from air geting in.

Re: Long Term Engine Storage
 

The engine is out of the boat on an engine stand.

Re: Long Term Engine Storage
 

Drain all fluids, loosen rocker arms, loosen belt(s), Marvel Mystery oil in cylinders, seal air intake and exhaust outlets. Spray entire engine externally with storage seal or equivalent. Prime and paint any areas needing this. Replace oil filter and fill crankcase with fresh oil.

Go to mass and light a candle to the engine Gods that nobody steals it, your garage doesn't burn down or you don't lose it in a messy divorce. That's about all you can do. Good luck!

Re: Long Term Engine Storage
 

Thanks for all the advice.

Re: Long Term Engine Storage
 

After re-reading my post, I was not trying to be a wise guy with that last part.

I was just trying to be funny.

I suspect that a psychologist would say that my desire to entertain people is a deep-seated desire to be liked and accepted by other people. I just get a kick out of making people smile or laugh. Am I sick? Am I going on and on for nothing? What's wrong with trying to be a funny guy? HELP ME PLEASE!! I'm losing it.

Re: Long Term Engine Storage
 

Oh, I thought you were serious. I spent the morning at church, and must have lit 10 candles.

Re: Long Term Engine Storage
 

Seriously, I thought of something else.
I saw an old-timer store a set of heads by wrapping them in a towel and pouring a couple of pints of 10W motor oil onto the towels. Then he wrapped them in plastic and duct-taped the whole thing.
When we were ready to use the heads they were perfect!