Storing/Protecting an engine for a couple of months

[PistolPete]

My HG has failed on my rover, for one reason or another I won’t have time to strip the head off, replace the HG and refit the head.

I plan on stripping the head off and getting it away for a skim then rebuilding it and refitting.

My only concern is how to store everything, the block will still be fitted to the sump and fitted to the car and in a waterproof garage that doesn’t get damp, how can I protect this so the bores don’t get corroded through moisture changes?

Also the same with the head, how’s best to store/protect this?

[quantum stop]

just grease everthing up my imp rnginr was stored like this fot 15 yrs and was like new after a good clean

[PistolPete]

Bores also I’m guessing?

[stealthstylz]

Give everything a wipe over/blast of with a air line then a good dousing of a water dispersant of your choice, followed by a coat of spray grease on the bores. Chuck a piece of plastic sheet over the top of the block just incase any drips happen. Spray grease is better than normal as it runs down and around to the piston rings so stops them rusting as there'll probably be residual water round them from the HG going.

[PistolPete]

Will there be any cleaning other than wiping the bores when I come to reassemble?

It’s a k series so I can’t rotate the crank to get full coverage of the bores.

[stealthstylz]

Quick wipe with a rag and thinners/break cleaner will be enough before reassembly, then a couple of squirts/wipe round with a bit of engine oil.

Yep that's why I suggest spray grease as it'll run down into the rings etc without having to rotate the engine. Normal thick grease would possibly trap any residual water on the rings and you can end up with a rust mark in the bore where the piston is.

[PistolPete]

Can you recommend any spray grease that’s suitable?

Is stuff like this ok?

[stealthstylz]

Yeah, any will do. I'd just go to a car spares shop and get whichever is cheapest.