lcfdvette

I picked up a set of 243s the other day. I dont know when I will be putting them on the car. So they will be sitting up for a while. What should I clean them with and how should I store them? Thanks.

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Are they going to get any work done at a shop at any point?

If so it won't really matter because they'll clean them up nice for you..

At any case keep them wrapped in a bag and don't let them get wet (rust)

You can clean them with brake cleaner and a razor blade, just be careful with the blade and go slow when removing gasket material..

LivernoisMotorsports

iTrader: (1)

clean them coat them in wd40 and bag them in a dry place till your ready to do something.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

I also put a small dessicant bag in with each head that I have stored to keep them dry.

baronsmith98

iTrader: (2)

Just oil your valve seats and guides they are the only things that will rust

lcfdvette

Thanks for the help.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

I sprayed mine down with WD40 and wrapped them in plastic and stored them for about 6-7 months in the shipping box I got them in.

1995_maro_z

iTrader: (1)

What kind of plastic should I use for this method? Would a small trash bag be fine? Also, is it better to store them laying flat or sitting up on the side?

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Trash bag is fine, stand them straight up if you can.

That way you don't risk damage to the sealing surfaces..

99 Black Bird T/A

iTrader: (4)

When time to use the heads, I would have a reputable shop disassemble the heads, clean them, check spring pressure and install heights etc, and maybe deck to make sure the sealing surface is ideal.

Best wishes with your project.

Taxman20

iTrader: (11)

Trash bag works great. We always stand them on end, but make sure they cant fall over. Then have the machine shop go through them before you install them if they sit for a long time. Small money spent for peace of mind. The springs don't like to sit idle. So you may end up with new springs if they sit too long.

Joie_C

You mentioned springs don't like to sit. A friend of mine gave me his 243 heads with brand new yellow ls6 springs on them. I have them still installed on the heads but the heads are bubble wrapped and stored away. Should I take the springs off? Will they still degrade sprung or unsprung?

Taxman20

iTrader: (11)

If you take the springs off they will last indefinitely. But even leaving them on the head, they will most likely be fine for quite a while. If they lose any pressure it probably wont be noticeable. Its when they are being compressed that they can become compromised. And its much worse when they are on an engine and the rockers have some valves open, so they are compressed even more.

ragtopz28

iTrader: (57)

WD-40 is not an oil, it is more of a solvent and it will cause rust. Coat them with motor oil.

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Wd40 is a water displacer

Opposite of causing rust

Taxman20

iTrader: (11)

^^^^ what he said.

ragtopz28

iTrader: (57)

I don't want to argue, you are correct, it is a great water displacer...but you must follow up with a "real" oil.
Two real world examples for me:
1- When I wash my dirt bike after a race, I spray the chain liberally with WD40 to remove the water then use spray chain wax. If you don't follow up, the chain will be a ball of rust. Made that mistake only once!
2- Also, made the mistake of squirting a very small amount of WD40 into a brand new 100 ct. box of hooks (to prevent rust) and when I went to use the hooks, about 2 weeks later, they also were a ball of rust.

1Clean98Z28

I am in the same boat as you, but I just keep them in my room in my closet lol. with a bag covering them.


Nice and warm.

Joie_C

Thanks for the info. I don't plan on using them for at least a year from now. I gotta get a spring compressor soon. Any suggestions for a hobbyist? Ill probably use it once or twice a year between mine and friends builds.