New shortblock shelf life?

[Zero Signal]

So my 347 short block has been sitting around in the garage for something like 2 years now I've been good about turning the crank now and then just in case. I've kept it on the engine stand, wrapped in a vented garbage bag since I got it. I've occasionally sopped motor oil all over the whole thing to make sure all the surfaces stay nice and oily. So far (knock on wood) it hasn't shown any signs of corrosion on any of the critical surfaces. I also live in AZ which helps.

How long should the engine be safe like this? I know the second I see any corrosion, it's all over and I don't want the $2400 I put into it to go down the drain before I have a chance to run it. If I hadn't spent so much money on bicycling, this wouldn't be an issue

 

[final5-0]

I would wonder if for long periods of storage time such as you speak of .....

Would it be better if is was stored on its back or oil pan on blocks of wood
rather than
The engine stand which would place a different load on the back of the block

Is it it possible the engine stand might cause a distortion of the back two
holes

I'm just thinking out loud here John so don't panic

Grady

 

[gcomfx.com]

I bought a GM crate engine for my blazer. Went from a 2.8 to a 3.4 (no, not a 4.3). I was doing the swap at my dad's house. We needed to change the oil pan and front cover for the 4x4 setup. It instantly started to corrode. It was amazingly fast. Dad walked a way for a bit, came back and wham corrosion. He quickly sprayed it down with WD-40. And then oiled it. I was a little worried, but the engine fired right up and we never had any problems. Due to gas prices, and a job change, I no longer own the vehicle. But I figured if there had been an issue it would have happened on startup/break in.

 

[Yobi1Kanobi]

I have the same issue.

I have had my engine built almost a year ago and have not started in yet.

I am gonna check inside the chambers. And I guess I should turn it over huh?

 

[gcomfx.com]

You guys just need to get busy... hell I've already pulled mine once and put it BACK in, and now I'm about to do it again.

 

[Zero Signal]

Yeah I would love to get it done. Money priorities is the issue. I bought a house instead of heads. Then spent $1500 on a mtn bike instead of heads now we're spending a few thousand on a trip to Alaska instead of heads and on and on I could in theory finish the motor right now, but I'd be in deep doodoo with the girlfriend. I'm hoping by the end of the summer I can have a nice chunk of change allocated to this specific project and I'm not a fan of using the credit cards after learning my lesson back in college.

I'm not sure about the problem with storing it on the engine stand instead of something more 'natural'. Although cast iron isn't very elastic, it doesn't 'creep' over time. So if putting it on the engine stand would effect it, it would have already done so unless there is deep-seeded corrosion involved. That's just my theory anyway

 

[Yobi1Kanobi]

I had my motor on a cradle...Kept it low and secured at four points.. They are like 40 bucks at summit and well worth it.

 

[mo_dingo]

I think you are doing the right thing John. Stopping oxidation in the bare parts is the most critical, wouldn't you think??? Our relatively low humidity helps that a lot.

But if you are really concerned, you might want to try something. Do you have the oil pan for it yet? Because if you do, I would think blocking the coolant ports, filling the motor completely with oil until all the bare surfaces are bathed in oil, so oxygen cannot make contact with the bare steel.

The only problem would be the deck surface. But I am sure you could figure something out.

Just an idea; I am not entirely serious about this, just a random thought.
Scott

 

[sn-95matt5-0]

i live in Alabama and i've had mine on the stand for about 2 months now. it rains alot so i had it wrapped in one garbage bag i blanket and then another garbage bag. i was hoping there would be no moister getting to it. is this a good way to do it or am i missing something ?

it is also in my work shop and AT LEAST once a week i go out rub it done with oil and rotate the crank.

after Christmas i will be getting heads and an intake and be done with the motor so i hope it wont be on the much longer

 

[SQUEEZE&STROKE]

You'll be fine. Mine sat for about a year as well. Just keep turning it over every couple of days. Also make sure there is oil to the mains and rod bearings. What I did was put the oil pump and pan on, fille the pan with a few quarts of oil, and used an oil pump primer (make sure there is a filter on there) and oiled up the mains and such, then turned it over.


Worked for me...