area51

Hi folks,

I have a 2009 SII RX8 GT with 80,000 kms on the clock. All is well but I just purchased a spare SII 13B engine with 31,000 kms on it. It's almost brand new. I'm going to put the engine in long-term storage for an undetermined amount of time. Does anyone have any advice on how to keep the engine fresh so that it doesn't seize up on me during storage considering that it could be sitting for 2-4 years before I need it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

-Serge
2009 RX8 GT
Western Australia

WaitingforFI

iTrader: (1)

Ship it state side to me for safe keeping.
In all seriousness, I would think that if you removed the plugs and added a bit of oil to each rotor face and manually turned over the engine followed by placing the plugs back into that block, that would be helpful. I would also add some some wire mesh over the intake and exhaust ports to keep critters out.
Storing Your Car

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Some fogging oil could help. I've never used it myself actually, but it's recommended for long term storage of things like boat engines.

area51

Thanks WaitingforFI! That's what I was thinking about doing but I wasn't sure if putting oil directly into the rotor housing could do any damage such as damage the apex seals? The wire mesh to block the intake and exhaust ports is also a great idea. I live in Australia so there's a lot of crawlies here to would love to make a 13B as their new home.

Loki: thank you as well for your response! The engine is already in a crate so unfortunately I'm not sure if I'll be able to fog it when there's no way to run it? Any ideas?

Thanks again guys.
Serge

04Green

iTrader: (1)

FWIW, with my outboard motors, I always sprayed them with WD40 before I put them away. It got into everything and kept things tidy.

For the engine in a crate, If you can get to the plug holes, and get the oil in, that is your best bet. Just turn it by hand.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Search on jegs, etc. they sell vacuum bags for engine storage. You want to get it as air tight as possible to prevent internal rust. If you are storing it for a real long time you may want to use moisture absorbers too.

Delvec03

That's a tricky topic. I had one in storage for 7 months, over deployment, and had to get the motor replaced when I got back due to the dreaded apex seal issue.

I would suggest getting family/friend to drive it for you. Its the only way to guarantee it.

area51

Thanks guys - all great tips... please keep them coming!

@Delvec03: I'm not sure if you read my original post but the engine is a 'crate' engine so I won't be able to get it started by anyone. This is why I'm so concerned about long term-storage. I'll have to turn it by hand on a monthly basis.

@9krpmrx8: engine vacuum bag - now that's an interesting concept! I wonder if JEGS will ship to Australia?

@04Green: Thanks mate. I wonder if using WD-40 inside the rotor housings could cause any damage? I'm more concerned with the APEX seals.

Cheers.
-Serge

silverfdturbo6port

Fogging oil is the best thing you can do to ensure no rust or seal sticking. The old school way use to be using ATF but I found it has the tendancy to swell and soften the coolant seals allowing more risk of blowing a coolant seal.

Langer71

I'm storing two engines at the moment, I put them in sealed storage bags (from Summit Racing or Jegs) and use desiccant packs to keep moisture down. In an ideal world, I suppose turning the engine every so often with some oil in the rotor housings would keep everything loose and moving.

04Green

iTrader: (1)

I would have oil inside, WD40 on the outside. The oil may get nasty if left for a long time inside, but a bit of solvent would loosen things up. Then add oil to get compression back and be ready for a smoky start.