how to store a engine and tranny??

[webshot]

I know this is not so much tech, but I know you guys have engines and stuff laying around. But a friend of mine is giving me a 5.0 engine with a tranny attached. I have seen people store engines on engine stands. But how do you store it if it still has the tranny attached? Is it cool to prop it up on floor pan on the ground? I really dont want to take it apart.

Advice??

 

[tjm73]

I would rest it on a couple 4x4 stud's so it can't tip over on it's side and it's lifted up off the ground a bit. If it has fluids in it, you can leave them in it. If not it doesn't really matter. DEFINITLY take duct tape and seal up all holes everywhere on the engine and the tranny. That will help keep water and critters out of it. Chekc it from time to time to make sure everything is still sealed. Mice like to build nests in whatever they can.

Will it be kept in a garage? Dirt or concrete floor?

 

[webshot]

More than likely will be in the garage which has a concrete floor. I gets pretty cold in there but not much moisture. The thing I worry is my kids go in the garage to get their bikes and such. Dont want to create a hazard either.

 

[tjm73]

More than likely will be in the garage which has a concrete floor.

That's the best way to store it. Place a flat cardboard box under it to absorb any fluids it may drip. Check it from time to time too.

Wrap heavy cardboard around anything sharp, put it as far out of their way as possible, don't put a blanket over it (mice again) unless you put moth balls on top of it (mice don't like the smell) and tell the kids to leave it alone. dam it! LOL

Even if you live in dry Arizona tape it up tight to keep out moisture and critters. I think I read once that moisture is attracted to oil. If it has water or coolant in it get it out of the engine so it can't possible freeze or leak or get spilled. It it has water init and the water freezes it could crack the block.

 

[tjm73]

If you wanna go real low tech get an old used tire and set the engine/tranny on it. Old tires work really good for this. I stored an engine like this for years.

 

[webshot]

funny you mention that. I was just thinking if that could be done..... Thanks for the advice.

 

[tjm73]

funny you mention that. I was just thinking if that could be done..... Thanks for the advice.

It seems like it might be unsteady at first, but in fact it's very stabile. My father has hauled engines in his trucks for years with nothing more than a tire under them. Starting, stopping, turning with no issues using extra caution while driving. He does use some rope to steady them though in case of an accident.

 

[Grn92LX]

If the heads are off, make sure you wd 40 or oil the cyl walls and rotate the engine once in a while. My old 302 sits on a stand but you can't attach it to the stand with the trans on.

 

[webshot]

Yea I am thinking about just going ahead and disconnecting the tranny and get a stand. If for nothing else it makes my garage look that much cooler to my neighbors.

 

[tjm73]

Yea I am thinking about just going ahead and disconnecting the tranny and get a stand. If for nothing else it makes my garage look that much cooler to my neighbors.

If you wanna look really cool get a stand for the engine and another for the tranny.

A free old tire is a lot cheaper though.

 

[webshot]

ooh ooh I didnt even know they made tranny stands...lol