Storing a block

[bull]

I'm going to have to set my "new" 383 block aside for a while until I have the funds to bore it, deck it and rebuild it so I decided to spray it all down with WD-40 and wrap it in a plastic bag. Will I need to give it additional spray-downs now and again or will one good coat do it?

[firefighter3931]

That should be fine Curtis. I would also lube up the cylinders with some thick wheel bearing grease for added protection during long term storage. 


Ron

[Steve P.]

I like to spray them down with LPS-3.  I don't know what it is, but it works great and is extremely long lasting.. Comes in a spray can. I would run out to the shop and get more info. but I just used up my last can a few months ago and shit canned the empty.

LPS products are great..

[bull]

That should be fine Curtis. I would also lube up the cylinders with some thick wheel bearing grease for added protection during long term storage. 


Ron

Good idea. What about the cam and crank areas?

[firefighter3931]

That should be fine Curtis. I would also lube up the cylinders with some thick wheel bearing grease for added protection during long term storage. 


Ron

Good idea. What about the cam and crank areas?

If the cam bearings have been removed....sure no problem. Same goes for the main saddles. 

That LPS stuff Steve was talking about also works very well....i've used it in the past.



Ron

[dodgeterm]

do what everyone else has said,, plus stick wads of newpaper in the bores, the paper absorbs moisture.  also don't seal the block it its bag..,  put the bag to keep dust out, not to seal it., if you seal it moisture will condense in the bag if its stored in a place when it gets hot (like a garage..)   that plus WD-40 and bearing gease,,..thats what I do..  I've got 2 machined blocks in storage and I've pulled 2 different blocks out of storage and put them to us.  works good for me in humid Georgia.

[is_it_EVER_done?]

35+ years ago I was told by Dick Landy that I should use ATF in a spray bottle for long term storage as ATF will wick into the tiniest crevices, and displaces moisture, plus it never evaporates.

There may be better ways or products out now, but I can vouch that the trans fluid works for as long as 20 years (longest I have ever stored a machined part), plus it's easy to clean off when the time comes.

Don't seal anything in plastic, as it will trap condensation, and I have to disagree with using anything (newpaper) in the bores as it could only hold moisture in an area longer than would be normal (think of how long a sponge stays wet vs. a puddle).

I never even cover storage blocks, but if you do, I would just use an old bed sheet so that the air can flow through.

[bull]

Makes sense. I know the block has been sitting for years with no protection so pretty much anything I do to it will most likely be better. I'll take the bag off, grease the cylinder walls and spray the rest with ATF.