428scj

[hinds57]

Just a question. I have a 428scj. It is all built, but I have to bolt the heads and intake on it. Is it o.k. for an engine to sit for a couple years after being all bolted together? Will the gaskets go dry or anything like that? Probably a stupid question, but I'd also like to know this for when purchasing an engine. I know this guy locally and he has a 427s/o, but it has been sitting for about 7-8 years. It's a complete rebuild, zero hours, and has been pre-lubed for storage. How long can an engine sit as a complete unit without turning over. It's complete from pan to carb.

Thanks in an advice....hinds57

[SCOBRAC]

Yes.. But, you really should do your best to determine whether moisture has infiltrated the combustion chambers and or bottom end.. You can do this by using a really fine pencil light in the plug holes, provided the motor is still out of the car it will be easy.. Or rent a fiber optic camera and check the cylinder walls for rust.. assembly oils and prelube should have kept the walls bright and shiny.. If they are not you may want to tear it apart and run a hone over the cylinder walls..

You might pull the pan and check for rust or scale.. It is an extra step but it might be well worth it.. It will also allow you to verify the work that was done and check any mistakes prior to the big day.. At the very least give each cylinder a shot of oil, and prime the oil pump really well before you fire it up..

My 428 sat for 4 years before I got it and it is doing ok.. You might give all the bolts a torque check before firing it up..

Good Luck!