Ok, I bought a spare 455 block today, carb to pan. I am picking it up on Wednesday. My question is how or what do I do to store this. I will be keeping it on an engine stand, so do I change the oil, spray some oil down the cylinders, cover the carb etc etc?? I dont plan on using this, just keeping as a spare so it will be sitting a while. Thanks in advance for your replies.
Bill You're on the right track. Pull the plugs, lube the cylinders and turn the motor over by hand several times. Cover the carb well and you should be in good shape. Might be a good idea to pull the rocker shafts to keep the valves closed. Don't want any varmints getting in thru the exhaust!!
I was once told by a mechanic that it was not good to let an engine hang on a stand for a long time. He said all the weight hanging with no front support can distort the rear part of the block. Thus making the rear cylinders out of round. Maybe other probs too. Just what I was told.
I'd love to hear some more input on this subject. Mine's been hanging around for a decade now. Could always just wedge a 2x4 under the front!?? Anybody from the board make a cradle? Might consider the purchase. Engines on the floor take up less room too.
We sell an engine cradle, with and without wheels. Nice easy way to store an engine. Jim Burek P.A.E ENTERPRISES
Ok, what is the consensus--stand or no stand. I'd figure it would be on the stand over the winter months at least till I clean it up a bit. Then maybe I will put in on a cradle around March or April. This shouldnt "warp" anything for that time frame or would it?????
Warp? It is not going to warp. Just decide it you would rather have it on a stand, or a sturdy cradle from Jim. :bglasses:
Thanks for the replies, stand at this time. I got a good Snapon model that I am borrowing, so its sturdy enough. Thanks guys.
I was told by an "OleTimer" to dump all your used oil into the engine .....as in Filler' Up !! I did do this with my #'s 400 block ... at least for a while o No:
Years ago before they made the engine storage stands that are on the ground, I had a "special" shopping cart that worked great. It would roll real good and was nice and low to the ground. Two bolts went into the rear lower tranny bolt holes and there were arms that bolted up to motor mount holes on the sides of the block. The backet was removed and the rest was made up with light angle iron. I have no clue where it is today but it served me well for years.
I bought a 455 a couple months that was stored in the late 70 s. The old timer who did it loosened the head and rocker arm bolts. He also loosened all the bolts in the timing cover. I put new head gaskets on it and tightened the bolts to spec. it runs perfect. I do not know why he loosened the head bolts but it gave me a chance to clean the bowls up on them.
That's how I usually carry 'em home. They only slide around the back of the truck a little! :laugh: I always love the feel of them slamming into the closed tailgate - kinda like getting a whiplash.
I am trying something new. I am putting all my old oil in a 55 gallon drum and setting hte engine in it. Later, Bart
