How long can I wait between rebuild and first start

[bjde0b]

I finished the rebuild in September on my 302, but I will not be ready to start in until the rest of the truck is done next summer. Is that too long to wait on a newly rebuilt engine?

I was thinking of maybe doing some wiring so I could start it and do a 20 minute break in.

First I would like a few opinions on leaving the engine installed but not started for ~1 year.

Thanks.

[DuckRyder]

If it is out of the weather, reasonably well sealed and was generously lubricated when assembled I would just leave it until you are ready, don't turn it over or anything.

Pull the plugs and fog the cylinders before you fire it off.

[bjde0b]

It is garage kept and sealed up. I did generously lube it during assembly in case it came to this. I am going to be starting a new job and leaving the truck in my current house with my job until she finishes up school in May when we move to a new house.

What do you mean by fog the cylinders? You said not to crank it, should I turn it with a socket on the harmonic dampener?

[fordman]

on older engines you put in storage it is recommended to put marvel mystery oil down the intake as it is being shut off. to lube up the valves and cylinder walls prior to storage. myself i woudl do something to it like that or atleast turn the engine over every month with a bar and socket. but i am causious.

[DuckRyder]

I WOULD NOT turn it, that goes quadruple if it has a new cam. Turning it will only wipe the lube off the cylinder walls and the moly lube off the cam lobes.

By fog, I mean spray some sort of oil in a mist into the cylinder, whether it is PB Blaster, WD 40, LPS, CLP, or similar aerosol or transmission fluid in a pump sprayer. Just enough to wet the walls up good (yes it is going to smoke horribly when fired off).

[cdeal28078]

I would follow DuckRyder's advise and be sure to prime the oil pump very well before starting it. Any turning done will wipe off any cam lub. and that is a bad thing these days with the oil changing the way it is
clint

[70shortwide]

another suggestion, back all of the rockers off so theres no load on the springs. letting them sit like that is known to fatigue the springs

[sport71]

another suggestion, back all of the rockers off so theres no load on the springs. letting them sit like that is known to fatigue the springs

I agree, great advice ..prime the oil pump very well before starting it....... spray some sort of oil in a mist into the cylinder, whether it is PB Blaster, WD 40, LPS, CLP, or similar aerosol or transmission fluid in a pump sprayer. Just enough to wet the walls up good

[robroy]

What method do folks use to prime the oil pump on an FE? Can this be done simply by turning the engine over with the coil disconnected, so that it won't actually start? Or do you have to use remove the distributor and use a drill?

Thanks!
Robroy

[DuckRyder]

I would use a drill, you can use a 1/4 drive extension and socket (tape them together so you don't lose it) and be sure to go in short burst with cool down for the drill (my 14v dewalt was smoking in short order).

[Brokenarrow]

I WOULD NOT turn it, that goes quadruple if it has a new cam. Turning it will only wipe the lube off the cylinder walls and the moly lube off the cam lobes.

By fog, I mean spray some sort of oil in a mist into the cylinder, whether it is PB Blaster, WD 40, LPS, CLP, or similar aerosol or transmission fluid in a pump sprayer. Just enough to wet the walls up good (yes it is going to smoke horribly when fired off).

Good advice

[mikeconner1]

man you guys must be psychic or something, I just came to this forum to ask this very question, however the engines in question have been built & stored for much longer, over 5 years in one case. Both are smallblock Fords, a 302 & 289.

I know about running the oil pump, but I'm wondering if I should just bite the bullet & tear them both back down for inspection before installing? One of them will have a place to sit over the winter, the oldest rebuild, and will probably be ready to crank by spring.

Opinions?

[70_F100]

I always pack the oil pump with lubriplate to prime it.

After just a few turns with a drill, I have oil pressure throughout the engine.

[papabug71]

Like all the others said, keep it covered good & be sure to lube it up everynow & then. Also, spray WD-40 on the parts that are still bare metel. Like the block, top of the heads ect. It will keep the cast iron from flash rusting. 3-in-1 oil works good also, but you have to rub it in.