Race Engine Forum UK

Hello. I have two Mitsubishi L200 Utes (one 1982 and one 1983). The '82 one has not been run since '96 and only has 63,000 Km from new (was a University grounds vehicle, which I am now working on getting road worthy). The '83 one has done well over 200,000 Km and the head cracked right through the centre cam journal and into a valve seat. I have started to strip this one for parts for the '82.

My question is how should I store the engine block, so that it does not corrode, rust, pitt etc. Since the head is off and also the front covers, the various belt gears and also the top of the block are showing surface rust. My aim is to keep the engine, as I would like to recondition it at some stage, as (i) I have always wanted to do this and (ii) it will drop straight into the '82, should that engine ever let go. My concern is that when the time comes it will be good for nothing more than a boat anchor.

thank you,

Darren.

Drain all coolant and old oil and coat the whole thing incl flywheel and bores and coolant galleries with WD40. WD40 will not hurt any part of the engine whereas moisture will. WD lasts about 4 months even in damp environments but must be renewed. Avoid storing in any location other than a dry garage with stable temperature regime - or similar. Seal up in a large plastic bag (bin liner). Avoid small garden sheds.

The real problem with storage of a previously run block is that the old oil is sulphurous and it can attack the bearings and cause severe corrosion of the crankshaft. This is why it's a good idea to start or at least turn over stored engines once a month or so.

In your case it might be an idea to take the whole block apart or at least somehow get a load of new oil into those galleries before you store it.

GC

Thanks Guy,

Would it be worth pulling out the crank, rods and pistons etc and then sealing them all up individually? If so, is it a good idea to get the block bathed?

thank you,

Darren.