OK - here is a question. What do you think needs to be done for an engine that was totally rebuilt, never started, and then put away 10 years ago. Engine was sealed into a plastic cocoon, oil fogged and stored on an engine stand. No signs of any moisture at all. Looks like the day it was assembled. I'm thinking that the oil pan should be pulled to inspect for any rust (it was put away dry - no oil in it -but it was fogged). Also, it is a new cam but no lifters were installed at the time of storage, so the normal lube up of the cam and lifters will be done. Cam bearings were heavily lubed at the install 10 years ago with lubriplate. Do you think anything could be bad just from sitting so long like the head gaskets or anything? I do plan on fully priming the oil system when the time comes for first start-up.
I was always told that seals would get pretty crusty after that kind of time, just word of mouth though, never seen it myself.
I think I'd dissassemble it and if you find no corrosion or rust, clean and reassembly with fresh assembly lube. I'd also use new rings. I had an experience like that once where I did a motor for my father in law. He let the car set for 2 yrs without starting it. I got it back from him and got it running. Didnt check anything, just cranked it up. Had alot of piston blow by. I gave the car to my brother and told him to keep a good eye on the oil level. He didn't. Ended up throwing a rod right through the side of the block. Rings are cheap.
I'd do what you mentioned. Pull the oil pan, take a look-see, if all is okay, I'd drop that baby in then run the carp out of it (and start the process all over again). my humble o
I agree with Dennis. And check the oil pump. Run it with a drill or speed handle to prime it. I may even rehone it. Seth
Don't know, but mine did. I didn't tear the engine down so there could have been some rust in the cylinders that caused my problem. I was around 20 yrs old when this happened. Usually the older you get, the more cautious and thorough you get. In my younger years I would have just started it up and see what happens. Now I would tear it down first and freshen it up.
I have a Shelby whose motor was rebuilt in 1990, and put up. We pulled the heads JFTFOI, and everything was still shiny We replaced the valve seals, and we will soon find out if all is well. Waiting for a carb.
Oh, I hear you there. I was the same way. I was wondering about the rings from a curious standpoint. I just can't see why they would lose anything from sitting, unless there is rust or corrosion. I have brought many old engines back to life and have not had compression problems. Compressed valve springs would worry me, but they were not under torque, no lifters installed. I will be taking everyone's advise and going over the whole motor. I do not want to play the engine in and out game. thanks, Eric
If you don't care to much about the engine blowing, install it and go. It's a gamble. 50/50 Might last and might not. I would do what Dennis said. If I wanted it to last, I would dissassemble it and start fresh. You probably have mostly new internal parts so all you would have to spring for is a gasket/seal, bearing and ring set for piece of mind. Also the rubber seals and gaskets are better quality today than they were 10 years ago. GOOD LUCK Ken
I too had an engine that sat for two years before I put it in service and it use oil as well. The rings were the culprit, and I think that the rings, when sitting for long periods of time in one place smothered in assembly lube, just get a glaze on them and never break in. I have no data to back it up other than personal experience, but that's what seems to happen for me.
How can you tell if your engine has a lot of blowby? Does it make a specific noise? I dont think my mav's been rebuilt at all... I was just going to get a valve job done but i think i need a total rebuild for full power...
Go for it If you take the pan off and it looks ok, I say prime it with a drill, drop it in and fire it. Things may be a little sluggish (rings,lifters) but if you run it gently at first, I think it will losen up. Change that break-in oil soon thereafter. Just my humble opinion though.
Pulled the pan today and I'm happy to report that it is just as clean and bright as the day it was built. Zero signs of rust or moisture. All surfaces have a coating of storage oil on them. It held up very well for 10 years.
