Engine opinion

[rockfla]

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

[19Fordy]

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.

[51504bat]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

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.

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

[34fordy]

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

[19Fordy]

Originally Posted by 34fordy

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

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

[JSeery]

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Originally Posted by 19Fordy

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

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

[blucar]

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.

[marko39]

Originally Posted by blucar

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.

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

[Bill OH]

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.

[deuce5wndw]

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

[Mart]

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.

[Aarongriffey]

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.