Valve springs prolonged storage?

[Ant]

Keith,

With my 373 Nascar based engine being in prolonged storage, and maybe another 18 months due to other build issues, is it worthwhile to back off the valve gear so the springs arent open for long periods, or turn the engine over periodically?

[mylesdw]

I'd just turn it a quarter of a turn every month or two. The stress on a valve spring left compressed is nothing compared with the caning they get whilst running.

[xlr8or]

If its going to be that long I would do both. loosen them up and also turn it over occassionally to spread some lube on the bores and rings.

[FUNFER2]

If it's going to be that long. I would recommend backing them off completely.
If it was just over the winter, just starting it once per month is fine.

[Bob In Ct]

Let's be serious now. Let's say you run your engine for an hour a day every day (I'm being generous). That means every part of the engine sits idle for 23 hours per day all year long. That means we sit idle 350 days per year. Do you really think (other than for lubrication reasons) this is less detrimental than letting it sit 350 days in a row?

Of course, like chicken soup, it can't hurt.


Bob

[FUNFER2]

LOL!, you've got to be kidding !
You're talking by the hour & day's, even weeks. NOT years.
I'm damn glad I'm not your engine. Wow !