Storing engines

[dugie6551]

I am re-building a 2.8L engine to keep as a spare motor when the one I have bites the dust. I will be putting it in a cabinet under one of my work benches in the garage.

What should I do to "store" the motor?
Can I stand it up vertical on the back of the motor?
Do I need to add fluids?
Should I "coat" the insides with oil, etc?

Those are a few questions I can think of now, but any extra advice will be helpful from those that have done this.

[toenailclippers]

need any parts for you 2.8? i havea bunch of new parts i dont need,. i upgraded to a 350

[OverBoardProject]

Well dugie, If you haven't got the engine and parts already get a comaro 3.4L, it's the same block and everything will bolt right up.
You'd need to have a 2.8L flexplate or flywheel re-balanced for this conversion and you'd be smart to use all the 3.4L accessories and drive belts.

Coat everything internally with a oil that will stick to the sides. I personally like motorcycle chain lube since it'll penetrate between the rings making them less likely to stick. Then rotate the motor by hand.

Install Spark plugs, and plug all the intake and exhaust ports. Along with everything that might allow moisture to enter tha engine

If you can vacume seal the motor to keep all the moisture out. And every 6 months of so turn it over by hand again.
I would spray in more oil once a year through the spark plug holes, and then turn it over.

[OverBoardProject]

And Toenail, Your probably better off sending someone a private message rather than advertise openly on this forum.
If you click on PM at the bottom of their message it'll bring you to a e-mail type screen.

I don't want to sound like an ass, I just don't want to see the moderators get upset with you. I know that you mean well

[tom3]

I use marine fogging oil in the cylinders, spray can, find it at most parts places. Cover the engine to keep the temperature fairly constant so it doesn't sweat. With a new engine you should have no problems with long term storage.

[BlazerLT]

Any light oil coating will help stop any rust.

Don't use WD40, use a fogging oil of some sort or even spraying engine oil all over it will do the trick.

Stand it on its end if you want, but I would put a garbage bag over it to keep the moisture out.

[dugie6551]

Thanks for the comments guys ... now I have ANOTHER weekend project !!!!

[blazer94]

Just a quick tip from storing my boat motor: I do not recommend using a plastic bag to cover, plastic traps any moisture, and also acts as a solar still and will create moisture if subjected to warmth / light. ( any old veterans out there? remember making solar stills?) using a cover that can breath ( cotton, cotton/poly blend ) will assure no moisture issues and there is no chance of moisture from rain since you are keeping inside.