Engine opinion
 

Okay experts......IF you are going to store several flathead engines.......Would you prefer to store them WHOLE (assembled) OR taken apart??? Is one way better to "possibly" help prevent cracking in the block over the years of ambient heating, cooling and just plain age and existing scale in the block and or wear and damage done in its past life???? OR stuck pistons and heads....etc etc etc

Re: Engine opinion
 

Definitely store them assembled. That way you don't lose any parts and the nuts, bolts and screws. Also makes it easier to find the parts. I recall once when I stored a flatty I filled it completely with oil right up into the valley so as to cover the cam and lifters. Didn't seem to harm anything. Also makes it a lot easier to sell as everything is in one location. Professional engine builders probably have best answer.

Re: Engine opinion
 

You might want to consider using diesel fuel if you plan on filling the engine instead of oil. JMO

Re: Engine opinion
 

With respect, how can you fill an engine without a rear crankshaft seal with any liquid?

Re: Engine opinion
 

If the engine is complete it should have crankshaft seal, correct? My 8BA did. No leaks.

Re: Engine opinion
 

Leave the engine completely assembled, fill the cylinders full of MMO via the carb and/or spark plug holes.

With the engine disassembled there is to much chance that parts will get damaged and/or lost.

Re: Engine opinion
 

If you can, turn over every few months to prevent seizing.

Re: Engine opinion
 

I stored a flatly full of used oil and when the time came to use it, I lifted it up, removed oil pan drain plug and no problems - engine turned over.

Re: Engine opinion
 

Takes up a lot less room assembled! Dry storage and well lubed a must.

Re: Engine opinion
 

I'd store assembled.
It won't crack if there is no water in it. So drain it and leave the drains open. i'd spray oil down the plug holes from time to tinme and give it a turn over periodically, making sure to leave it in a different position each time.

If you do nothing else, just make sure no water is left inside it.

Mart.

Re: Engine opinion
 

I bought three “good” 8BA engines over the last 12 years.
One may be good if I ever am able to get it apart but the first two had turned into junk.
Leave the heads and pan on. Plug all the holes.
Put it in a plastic trash bag.

Re: Engine opinion
 

The early flathead blocks do not have a rear crankshaft seal.

Re: Engine opinion
 

All any potential buyer should be concerned with is the block. C'mon nobody today is gonna buy a flathead that turns over and just runs it in his DD. Well, I might, but I have very low expectations. The last batch of 3 engines I looked at were complete engines... I didn't even consider them. I have something like 9 blocks. I have no intention of selling them because I am only 67. 2 have professionally done stitched and sleeved repairs, only on ONE cyl ,the others are looking very good from a visual. I have probably 15 cyl heads, many cranks, oil pumps, valves and guides all from engines that were given to me or I bought cheap just to find they were badly cracked. Really, who uses the rods/pistons/bearings/cams/heads/starters/6v generators/carbs/dizzys/manifolds etc for a 6000.00 rebuild? I live in a VERY rural area and have never bought an engine with aftermarket heads/ dual carbs/ Any aftermarket equipment.... Pretty much from a Nalley's Pickle truck.. OK, my .02 A knowledgable buyer wants to know if it's a good block. All those parts you misplaced are gonna come to the rebuilder from Red's Headers, speedway, etc. all good outfits for sure.

Re: Engine opinion
 

Heres how i store them. Prol over 100 blocks in there. Wonky pic. Sorry

Re: Engine opinion
 

better?