Long term storage...oil in or not?

[lineslinger]

If I am going to have a finished engine in the "sit around" mode for a few months should I fill the motor with engine oil or leave it enpty.
I drained it after break-in and have lubed the interior of the cylinder walls, run the fuel system dry, released the rocker arm pressure etc.
I have heard varying stories about moisture accumulation within the block and was curious about how others here have addressed this.
Mark

[trularin]

I would like to hear what others do as my car sits all winter in the barn. I will be draining the gas tank this year and changing the oil before the snow flies.

[427SnakeSC]

I store my Classic Roadster for the winter. Before I store it I put a few ounces of fuel stabilizer in the fuel tank. I run the car up to operating temp., to distribute the fuel stab. throughout the system. When it is running I pour some Dexron II down the carb to "fog" each cylinder. I shut the motor down immediately. I then drain the oil and remove the filter. New oil and filter. Once a month, turn the motor over without starting, to avoid damage to the valve springs. The new oil should not create any condensation in the crank case as this comes from the air as the motor is running. It is not the water that damages the bearings, but the combination of water and the unburnt carbons in the oil. They combine to make a corosive that will eat at your main bearings over time. I have followed this procedure for all my toys for years. Never had any problems. Another handy use for the Dexron is to put about half a quart in the crank case just before you drop the oil. The Dexron will rid the crankcase of any sludge buildup and thin the oil for quick and complete draining. IMHO, do lot let your old oil sit in the crank case over the winter or for any extended period of time. The contaiminents in the oil will combine with any moisture and will do damage to your main bearings.

[wtm442]

I use Stabil in the gas tank. Usually change the oil in the fall or early spring time.

I start up the car at least once a month and let it run till everything gets up to temp. If there is no snow on the ground and the streets are dry - I put on a wool hat, gloves and go for a ride.

Start it at least once a month. I start my snowblower once a month in the spring/summer/fall. Its an 8 HP Arien's and it starts on the first pull every time ... oh, I almost forgot - it's 20 years old.

If you really want to get serious, they make plastic spark plugs filled with a dessicant. Leave them in for a month, then put them in oven for 30 minutes at 250 to dry them out ... and re-install. I have an old set I use with my non-Cobra toy (70 Olds 442).

[Carnut427]

I change the oil and use Stabil, then spray fogging oil (do a Google on "fogging oil") into the carb while she's running, pull the plugs and spray the fogging oil in each cylinder and replace the plugs. Then loosen the rocker arm bolts to relieve spring tension.