Engine- length of time on stand

blueovalfanatic · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006, 02:34 PM

Hello everyone. I am at a stage in the build where I cannot really decide what to do next. First I think of trying to get the body next, then I start thinking of the engine which is disassembled and ready to go to the machine shop.

My main concern is letting the new engine with all the new gaskets and seals just sit there on the stand before it's needed. I have also considered just building the short block, but even then, the front and rear mains would obviously have to be in place.

I am just wondering how long you guys have left a completed engine on the engine stand before installing it and ultimately firing it up...or how long you think it would be OK to leave sitting dormant on the stand.

Any suggestions are welcome!

Thanks,
Greg

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006, 02:58 PM

I've left engines on cradles for several months. There are some good tips for storage.....leave the rocker arms loose so there's no pressure on the valve springs....spray a little WD or fogging oil in the spark plug holes so the rings won't stick to the cylinder wall. Every week or so, it would be a good idea to spin the oil pump with a drill motor and turn the crank a couple turns.

I don't see problem at all with letting an engine sit though.

blueovalfanatic · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006, 04:08 PM

Thanks for the reply. I am talking longer than a few months though. basically all I have so far is the rolling chassis, and it could realistically be three years before it's finished, although Im trying to complete it before that. The 390 that I am putting in it was rebuilt by my dad, and ended up sitting on the stand for about 10 years. The engine only had about 12K on it when we pulled it, but several gaskets were leaking from just getting old while it sat there. I know it helps if the gaskets actually have oil on them to keep them pliable, but it's hard to keep them that way for an extended period of time.

It seems many of us always plan to get something done quick, but many times it is realistically alot longer...I just dont want to subject the engine to sitting, but at the same time, I dont want all the engine parts scattered around the garage, taking up room. LOL What to do, what to do.

Thanks,
Greg

jarendall · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006, 07:44 PM

I put 200 miles on my engine while it was just a rolling chasis, I drove it around and around the block, I also cranked the engine while it was on the engine stand, you will need the engine, just to make sure everything fits correct, it took me three years from the time I started until I completely finished

Dwight · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006, 07:59 PM

I think my motor was in the car for about 2 years before I crank it. I did not put oil in the spark plug holes or turn it over during the time it sat in the Cobra. Just before we crank it I did prime the oil pump with a drill motor till I had 30 pounds of pressure on the gauge. If you build you motor using 30 weight oil and store in inside a garage it should be OK. High and low temperature and humid are to be considered.

Dwight

blueovalfanatic · #6 (**permalink**) 12-23-2006, 12:20 AM

Alright, it's back to plan "A" then. The SVC would be hard to drive in the uncompleted status, but I could rig up a battery and ignition module pretty easily so id' be able to start it once in awhile, as it sits in the garage.

Might as well get all the neighbors broke-in early, and get 'em used to the noise.

Thanks,
Greg

Dwight · #7 (**permalink**) 12-23-2006, 07:26 AM

We have a shop made stand for testing and breaking in our engines. After a break-in period we can check for oil and water leaks before we install the motor in a Cobra. It has casters so we can move it around the shop. I have made different sets of engine mounts for FE's and SB Ford motors. No Chevies

No Mopars

But we do love Chevies $ Mopars but not in a Cobra.
Dwight

jdog · #8 (**permalink**) 12-23-2006, 07:20 PM

My 427fe side oiler sat for 2 1/2 years waiting for my car. It runs strong now that it's nestled into my Cobra!

jdog

blueovalfanatic · #9 (**permalink**) 12-23-2006, 11:26 PM

Dwight- I love them chebbies and mopars too...they make excellent boat anchors. Just kiddin', I couldn't resist.

On a serious note, that set-up you have would be awesome, but I just dont have that kind of room. I've already got two cars in my little 21.5' x 23.5' garage.

I was thinking of just starting it up every now and then, but then the thought of cam break-in comes to mind. It of course aint going to run for a half hour with no cooling. I guess I could just bolt the engine in, and mount the radiator as if the car was complete. As far as that goes, I could even mount the exhaust to keep piece in the neighborhood.

If I did end up running into a problem of some kind, it would be much easier to fix this way than after the body was on. These 12 hour work days and the Christmas season is both taking its toll on me mentally, so I am about half brain dead at the moment. Other than maybe a remote oil pressure guage, can you think of anything I might be overlooking? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Greg