16 replies to this topic

[antelopeslr5000]

How long can you let an engine sit without starting?

I guess the condition and age of the engine will play a part (i.e. new V's old).

Any tips or tricks? I probably start my engine once a fortnight which I don't think is a problem. However I'm looking at buying a new engine and it may sit for a couple of years before it's fitted to a car and started.

Any suggestions?

[TerrA LX]

Also seal all the openings, inlet, exhaust etc with caps/plugs or tape.

I have also heard of drowning the motor (while cranking it, thru the carb, if it is still complete) with spray oil or wd-40 or what have you and leave the plugs it, before sealing it up.
Also as above, taking the rockers off the springs will help seal the chambers.

Edited by TerrA LX, 13 September 2009 - 11:28 PM.

[antelopeslr5000]

while im harping on, more info; is it a crate motor? chev? what: its like a guessing game.
people that dont offer info.

It was more of a generic question for any engine, not engine specific. Hopefully others may benefit from the suggestions offered.

[GML-31]

from my experience I just opened up a 308 that was sitting wrapped in one of those blue tarps for just over 2 years on a pallet and it was fine, I would spray it all with wd40 as it is fishoil based

[mitchg]

The V6 that is now in my car sat on an engine stand in the shed for a good 2 and a half years, with a rag in the throttle body, and rags and tape covering the exhaust inlets. Plonked it in a couple of months ago, did an oil change (had to change sump due to oil pick-up needed to be swapped for the conversion), changed plugs and leads and it fired first go.

[Neils LX]

Hi
I purchaced a 173 LX sedan in 2006 that had not moved for 3 years when i brought a some fuel and jump started it ran and drove around fine to load onto car trailer.
I started the LX yesterday for the first time since and without storing it properly (it sits outside in the open) once again ran fine.
So i guess a motor thats left inside and sealed up should be alright for a fair while.
Chears Neil

[LXCHEV]

Agree with earlier comments.. I think all the main things have been covered.

Just for interests sake though, my old man has an FJ sitting in his yard (trusty old Grey motor). Hasn't run or been turned over for literally the last 25+ years. We cleaned the plugs, cleaned the points, gave it fresh fuel via a funnel (don't want to picture what might be in the old rusty tank and lines), connected a battery and fired it up. It roared into life, and was idling in no time at all, sounded great too! LOL. Amazing.

[Heath]

I don't think the motor firing up is really the issue... the important thing is not doing anything that will decrease the engine's life later on. I would be more worried about contaminants.

You could have a few teaspoons of sand in a motor that's been sitting for five years and there's no reason why that wouldn't start either! Doesn't mean you shouldn't have pulled it apart first though! lol

If the motor is sealed up, all good. The petrol in the carbie will be old and stuffed but it will be good enough for it to run so that doesn't really matter. Just wanna make sure that there is some oil everywhere you need it for one, make sure it's not gonna suck anything down the inlet ports etc

[Potta]

My car has sat for about 6 years and I tried turning the engine by hand tonight and it was easy as pie.

I don't know if that means I'm getting very little compression or what, but it hasn't siezed up over time.

It will be getting a rebuild before it gets driven though. I might just try to start it to make sure it still runs.

You can see just by looking at it that the gaskets are probably stuffed.

I would have to highly guarantee not leaving coolant in the motor though. When it dries out it crystallises into a powdery stuff that will clog up everything. I have photographic proof!