66 carb/engine storage

[Dan M.]

I'm looking for advice on a plan to deal with my engine/carb etc while my car goes through a couple years of restoration.
The engine was rebuilt about 10 years ago and has not seen many miles since then. It runs well and my expectation is not to go through another overhaul. I plan to pull the body off and strip the frame and build back up over a period of 3 to 4 years. As far as I know the trans has never been off the car or rebuilt, neither has the differential. Although I have had no issues I think it will make sense to have these professionally rebuilt.
So the motor will be sitting for a few years. My thoughts are to pull the carburetor and dump out the fuel, drain the oil, fog the cylinders.
I'll also drain the fuel tank ( all the fuel lines and brake lines will be replaced).
It might make sense to have an engine shop fire up the motor before it goes back in the car and ensure its perfectly tuned with no leaks, don't know.
Any advice on this and what else I should be considering at this time?
Thanks
Dan

[Joe R.]

Re: 66 carb/engine storage

I'm looking for advice on a plan to deal with my engine/carb etc while my car goes through a couple years of restoration.
The engine was rebuilt about 10 years ago and has not seen many miles since then. It runs well and my expectation is not to go through another overhaul. I plan to pull the body off and strip the frame and build back up over a period of 3 to 4 years. As far as I know the trans has never been off the car or rebuilt, neither has the differential. Although I have had no issues I think it will make sense to have these professionally rebuilt.
So the motor will be sitting for a few years. My thoughts are to pull the carburetor and dump out the fuel, drain the oil, fog the cylinders.
I'll also drain the fuel tank ( all the fuel lines and brake lines will be replaced).
It might make sense to have an engine shop fire up the motor before it goes back in the car and ensure its perfectly tuned with no leaks, don't know.
Any advice on this and what else I should be considering at this time?
Thanks
Dan

Hi Dan,

You could probably do nothing and the engine would be fine. But if you're here, you will probably be tempted to do more. If it were me, I would seal the engine from the outside air at all entry points. And I would fire it up before the body drop. I think you're on the right track.

Good luck!!!
Joe

[Dan M.]

Re: 66 carb/engine storage

Tks Joe. I'll probably take the motor to the same engine builder I used years ago and have them clean it, paint it and tune. Have it perfect prior to the body drop as you suggest

[Michael W.]

Re: 66 carb/engine storage

Dan,

I worked for a major aircraft engine manufacturer for over 30 years. Standard long term storage procedure was to drain the engine of all fluids, wrap it up best as you can in plastic and slip some desiccant bags inside.

Engines being sent back into service 10 years later looked good as new.

[Dan M.]

Re: 66 carb/engine storage

Tks Michael, I have a good garage space as well, very dry and lots of room. I wasnt thinking too much about the coolant but I suppose that as well. Tks for the advice

[Mark E.]

Re: 66 carb/engine storage

I've restarted engines that sat idle for years with little preparation before storage and had few problems. Thoroughly and properly priming the engine before starting may be the more critical factor. There are some good YouTube videos showing the process.

With that said, when preparing for storage I suggest:

- Change the oil and filter, then run the engine for a few minutes to circulate clean oil. It doesn't make much difference if clean oil sits in the sump or it's drained. Either way, refill with fresh oil before starting.

- Squirt light engine oil into each cylinder through the spark plug holes, then replace the plugs. This step probably isn't critical, but it makes me feel better.

- For an engine that will remain in the car I like to flush, replace the coolant, then purge the air in the system. Storing with no air minimizes corrosion. In your case, it may be best to completely drain the cooling system and remove the water pump. After years of no use, water pump seals are a crap shoot. So plan on rebuilding or replacing the pump to avoid surprises and the hassle of a water pump R/R on your freshly restored car.

- Install a new carburetor kit then store it in an air tight ziplock bag. The carb will require rebuilding in any case, so rebuilding now prevents gas deposits and crud from sitting in it while in storage.

- Seal up the exhaust, intake and water pump ports.

Just before installation, replace the rear main and timing cover seals. They typically harden and leak after long periods of storage.

[Dan M.]

Re: 66 carb/engine storage

Great advice tks Mark