Lycoming "Storage"

[txaviator]

Again, this is coming from an engine rookie..Sorry for the dumb question.

But- if you are going to store an engine, be it overhauled already, new, or used, what's the best and/or proper way. Let's just say a person is a long way from hanging the engine...

I've seen them in the upright (prop end of the crank facing downward), level (on a converted auto-engine stand), etc.

What's the ideal way, and why? Thanks in advance, everyone.

[Mel]

Ideal position would be upside down with enough oil to cover the cam; but, that's not really practical. If the engine is in controlled environment, it really doesn't matter. The main thing is, DO NOT TURN THE CRANKSHAFT ONCE THE ENGINE IS STORED!

[chrispratt]

Gary:

I can only relate to you my own experience with a new Lycoming I bought from Van's. It was shipped with the long term storage provision, i.e., it was shipped in a heavy duty cardboard box, cushioned by spray-in-foam and the engine itself was sealed in a clear plastic. I asked a Lycoming rep at one of the airshows if there was something I needed to do periodically, e.g., turn it every so often to be sure the preservative oil still coated all the parts, etc. He told me that as long as I never opened the plastic bag, there was no need to touch it. I left it in my garage untouched for three years before mounting it on the aircraft and it was in perfect condtion when I finally removed it.

You'll eventually need to drain the long-term preservative oil (there's not much in there but some) before you're ready to use it. I believe they tell you in teh accompanying instructions to NOT TURN THE PROP until the preservative oil is drained out. After I drained the preservative oil, I knew the engine was still going to be on the airplane for a while before I actually started it. So I would remove the top spark plugs about every three months and spray some Marvel Mystery Oil into the cylinders to prevent rust from forming.

Whether you need to do all that or not, I can't say for sure, I'm not an engine expert. But I can say my engine started the first time I cranked it and has been running like a top ever since despite the fact that it was about five years between purchase and first run.

I'm sure some other RVers can fill in info for other engines and scenarios.

Chris

[Ironflight]

There are some great engine FAQ's on the Mattituck web site - I think that at least one of them deals with long-term storage. This is a great collection of knowledge from a company that has been building these engines for a whole lot of years.

Paul

[RVadmirer]

Originally Posted by Mel

DO NOT TURN THE CRANKSHAFT ONCE THE ENGINE IS STORED!

Why is this? I have an O-360 in storage and I roll it upside down every 6 months and turn the crank through a few revolutions. Why is this a bad idea? The rest of the time it has dryer plugs in the top and light heat in the box.

[LifeofReiley]

You will loose the oil in the cylinders from the pickling and could have some corrosion. (Rust)

[osxuser]

Just filler up with oil . Thats what alot of A&P's I know do, just fill it up with mineral oil, and put in the dryer plugs. YMMV

[Mel]

Originally Posted by RVadmirer

Why is this? I have an O-360 in storage and I roll it upside down every 6 months and turn the crank through a few revolutions. Why is this a bad idea? The rest of the time it has dryer plugs in the top and light heat in the box.

When you turn the crankshaft, you wipe the oil off the cylinders and leave the bare metal unprotected. See Lycoming Service Letter L180B.

[RVadmirer]

So to get the coating back on the walls I do what? Pull the dryer plugs and spray some oil in the holes? I've heard about "fogging" but am not clear on how to do that.
Thank you for the help, I hate to damage this engine.
DV

[mannanj]

The Jan. 19, 2007 issue of General Aviation News has an article on page 13 by their aviation fuels and lube expert Ben Visser about long term storage. Probably can look it up online at www.generalaviationnews.com. if you can't find a copy in your local fbo's office.