Storing Rebuilt Engine
 

What are everyone's thoughts on the "shelf life" of a rebuilt engine? How would I go about storing a rebuilt short block with zero run time and how long could I keep it in that condition?

Backstory: I'll be moving from Ohio back to Virginia in the next month or so. In order to reduce the number of loose parts to ship and the eliminate possibility of losing parts I'm considering rebuilding my engine now. Because of the move I don't know when I'll be able to start working on the car again so there's no telling when I'll be ready to fire it up. Originally, I had planned to hold off rebuilding the engine until everything else in the car was done.

I should think (hope) that a rebuilt engine could last a long time sitting on a stand. So long as you've got it indoors in a climate controlled location with low(er) humidity one would hope that everything would last.. I figure the only moisture finding purchase in the engine SHOULD be in the coolant/oil passages, as all the other surfaces should have a coating of Vaseline or motor/2-stroke oil.

My engine has been assembled and sitting on a stand in my garage since last winter..

Good question, as I'll be facing the same problem. Building up a new short block for my FC this winter, and most likely won't drop it into my FC until after DGRR, so I'll be able to take my time breaking it in properly.

Anyway, I think if you keep it in a low moisture area and seal off all the openings (exhaust, intake, coolant/oil lines, etc.) you should be OK for the period of time you're looking at. Only concern I'd have is vaseline or assembly lubes might cause exposed rubber seals to swell over time.

They most likely will, but that wouldn't negatively effect the effectiveness of the soft seals, would it?

I've always figured the water seals are single use items anyway, so of they swell within the grooves it shouldn't matter too much, as once they're removed they go to the trash anyway.

Thanks, that's what I figured. So rebuild the engine as normal and cover all the holes. I was thinking about assembling the short block and putting it and the transmission in the car. That way the major components are all together.

Would there be any negative effects if I go ahead and add the correct amount of engine oil now? I've got the engine in the car and and entire oil system is sealed: filter, cooler, and lines are installed. I can't imagine I can generate much pressure turning the engine over by hand but I like the idea of maybe getting some oil to circulate through the system periodically.