Engine Question for Mahlon--internal rust.

[atreff]

Mahlon,

2.5 years ago, I purchased an IO-360 from a friend with 400 hours SMOH. I have photos of the OH, and know that the level of work and the pedigree of the parts was flawless. Also, the engine was flown at least 3 times per week by the previous owner, so I do not suspect any problem before it was stored.

Before we removed it, we followed the Lyc pickling SB to the letter, including the mix of pickling oil and engine oil, ran to appropriate temps, covered all the holes. The engine was then crated and shipped to me. I hung it, and kept holes covered as much as possible during the fitting of hoses, exhaust pipes etc. The crank has never been turned, and every year, I remove the dessicant spark plugs from the top holes, bake until they turn color, then replace them. While the dessicant is baking, I heat a 50/50 mix of Aeroshell oil and pickling oil. This is then fogged into the cyls, dessicant plugs are re-installed.

Now my problem: I removed a mag last night, and a brown color caught my eye on an accessory gear-Rust.

It wipes off with my finger, but I'm wondering what my next step should be. The engine will not be run for the first time for at least another 5 months. Any suggestions?

Art in Asheville.

[mahlon_r]

It is difficult to make an assessment without seeing the engine. Obviously, that isn't practical. If you have raw rust, in the engine, of unknown quantity, the safe thing to do would be to disassemble it, inspect it and clean it up as necessary.
The only way to be sure the parts are OK, is to physically look and inspect them.
Good Luck,
Mahlon
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