Storing Engine Parts

85rkyboby

Active Member
Mar 2, 2011
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South ATL
Hey guys, I just received my DIY Short Block. I'm wondering what procedures I should follow to store the block, crank, pistons, etc. Right now I have the block on my engine stand wrapped in a bag. Everything else is in the boxes they came in. The other day my boss told me, one should never store a crank laying down, to either hang it or stand it straight up. Any wise words would be great.

Thanks,
Garrick A. R.
 
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He is correct. I would spray down eerything with WD40 to prevent rust, double wrap it in a plastic bag, and seal with tape. The pistons, rods, and all other parts should be put back in the packing material and boxes they came in. Most important is to not put the parts out in the garage or anywhere cold. You really want to keep them around room temperature.
 
+1. Don't lay a crank down. The best stuff I've seen for preserving iron/steel parts from rust is made by LPS. It's simply labeled LPS #3, with the words "rust inhibitor" on the can in smaller letters. The stuff is spray cosmoline. best stuff in the world for long term storage, we use it on turbo machinery out where I work. WD40 is ok, some kind of light spray oil like Kano Kroil oil is WAY better.. but for absolute rust protection, get the LPS stuff. can't beat it.

EDIT*

IF you do use the LPS, you will need a solvent to cut it when ready to use the parts, as it leaves a thick, oily,wax film. Like I said, rust proof.
 
Alright thanks guys. If I end up taking the block off the stand is there a certain side I should lay it on. Bell housing side, intake, or timing cover? @Boosted92LX Will the LPS #3 affect a painted surface?
No sir. Just be careful when removing it to not use solvent that will damage the paint. LPS presolve works well.. I should be getting a commission here..
 
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How would one hang the crank as well?
Eyebolt in the balancer bolt hole. There used to be a martial arts fanatic here who liked to hang entire engines from an eyebolt in the crank snout. Please don't ever do that..

The crank would be fine, though.
 
Dunno if that is too long or not. I was trained to never lay a crank on its side for a couple of reasons.

1. it can roll and get damaged
2. it is a heavy piece and needs to be supported by the mains- laying it on it's side puts stress on the crank and can lead to it distorting.

How long would it take to distort? That's the 64000 question. IF you need to lay it down, at least support it by the main journals, but I would store it hanging from the snout with a eye bolt or straight up on the flywheel side in a double bag as mentioned before.
 
I use LPS3 to store steel tools in my shop without climate control. It prevents rust better than any basic oil.
It is not the heat or cold that encourages rust. It is the humidity. A higher temp with the same amount of water in the air will lower relative humidity, and that is why a heated cabinet will slow rust on firearms etc.
I call foolishness on using any crank that will distort on its side but not distort from all the weight pulling straight down to the end. If your crank is that weak, it will not hold up to the twisting forces in use, and it will also bend when stood on end or stretch when hung up. I bet this has more to do with keeping the polished journals away from Concrete rask and as
 
The good bit of reading I did yesterday leads me to believe it's more of a preference thing, laying the crank on its side vs hanging. I just can't imagine the metal creeping all that much to throw off the balance of everything. As of right now I'm trying to find some LPS3 for the block, but it is wrapped up in a bag. The crank is still in the box I received it in, standing straight up, on the flywheel side. The pistons, wrings, rods, bearings, and crank are indoors in my basement.