New Engine in storage for 15 years

lal Naja · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 01:06 AM

I started building my Cobra 15 years and put together a 350 (sorry you Ford guys) Chevrolet small block. I took the utmost care in putting together a Racing engine kit from PAW and I added about 200 hours of my time to fully blueprint the engine. It was assembled with the best lubes at the time.

However, due to business commitments I never finished the car, I am back on the project and it will be ready next spring. The engine has never been fired up. I plan a complete disassembly to change the seals, should I consider changing the valve springs and piston rings. would these items have lost some of their tension properties?

Would appreciate your technical opinions, Thanks!:

Excaliber · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 01:35 AM

May be a good idea to replace the valve springs that have been compressed at least. Rings? Hmmmm,,,,,,that is an interesting question. I have found that if "miles" don't get you, "time" will.

Ernie

CStraub · #3 (**permalink**) 10-08-2003, 04:05 PM

Chances are the engine after sitting that long may have some tarnish on the walls. Rings may stick also. If anything after disassembly I would inspect cylinder walls, may need to run a ball hone down them. I would change the rings.

Valve springs would have taken a set. Plus technology has come a long ways and there are much better springs out there today.

lal Naja · #4 (**permalink**) 10-08-2003, 05:05 PM

Thanks for your advice! Arthur