Engine storage block off plates?!?
#1
Engine storage block off plates?!?
Need decent block off plates for the intake runners and exhaust ports for engine storage. I don't have a garage so my spare engine needs to be stored outside on a stand and under a tarp. I removed the The intake and exhaust to clean it up etc. I have tape on the 5.3 intake ports and exhaust ports for now but I know the tape is going to be a PiTA to remove in a few months or even a year.
I've only seen exhaust block off plates for like $30-40 on eBay but nothing for the intake ports. Anyone know of a decent block off kit?
I've only seen exhaust block off plates for like $30-40 on eBay but nothing for the intake ports. Anyone know of a decent block off kit?
#2
TECH Senior Member
All I've ever seen is duct tape which actually seals things quite well. Acetone or lacquer thinner will clean it up when the time comes
#3
TECH Addict
For really long term storage pull the rockers.. it will reduce the fatigue on the valve springs and lifters..
I bought a couple NOS ford motors years ago and thats how they came out of the box rockers were in cosmoline in a bag. , also the engine was full of oil. IE FULL clear to the valve cover and including the cylinders. Had to drain the engine, pull plugs turn by hand , let sit for a day over a bucket. once we finished putting the accessories on started right up.. It had been stored for like 25 years.. YMMV just a interesting story...
I bought a couple NOS ford motors years ago and thats how they came out of the box rockers were in cosmoline in a bag. , also the engine was full of oil. IE FULL clear to the valve cover and including the cylinders. Had to drain the engine, pull plugs turn by hand , let sit for a day over a bucket. once we finished putting the accessories on started right up.. It had been stored for like 25 years.. YMMV just a interesting story...
#4
The tape seems like such a hack. Like it wouldn't be hard to waterjet for laser cut some block off plates for the LS engine. They would be great for assembly as well. I just see a market for them. I've only found water pump blockoffs and exhaust.
Interesting story of the engine full of oil. How did they get it into the cylinders? Just pour it into the intake or exhaust ports with the valves open?
Interesting story of the engine full of oil. How did they get it into the cylinders? Just pour it into the intake or exhaust ports with the valves open?
#5
TECH Senior Member
+1 on the engine full of oil. Can't think of a better long term preservative! lol On startup likely smoked a bit, BUT it was OILED! Smoking quits, fresh plugs.... good to go!
#6
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
For the intake ports would a spare intake manifold work ok?
The snout would have to be taped of course. Taping the exhaust works too. Had to store my 383 LS1 for six years this way. Runs great no issues.
To help with moisture control on the inside these might be useful. Saw them on Reher-Morrison's page a while back.
The snout would have to be taped of course. Taping the exhaust works too. Had to store my 383 LS1 for six years this way. Runs great no issues.
To help with moisture control on the inside these might be useful. Saw them on Reher-Morrison's page a while back.
#7
TECH Addict
The tape seems like such a hack. Like it wouldn't be hard to waterjet for laser cut some block off plates for the LS engine. They would be great for assembly as well. I just see a market for them. I've only found water pump blockoffs and exhaust.
Interesting story of the engine full of oil. How did they get it into the cylinders? Just pour it into the intake or exhaust ports with the valves open?
Interesting story of the engine full of oil. How did they get it into the cylinders? Just pour it into the intake or exhaust ports with the valves open?
All the packaging was plain brown with black and white part info.. Unfortunately I came in like the last day and he had sold some stuff that woulda been really cool, supposedly had some BBC ford and Chevy long blocks, that went for about 250 each.. This was about 1990, it all came out of Seattle..
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#9
TECH Addict
Heavy duty shrink wrap.. ??
I wonder if you need block off plates if you used a commercial engine shipping box? I mean they are air tight at least the ones I've received, had to open a leader valve to get the lid off..
I wonder if you need block off plates if you used a commercial engine shipping box? I mean they are air tight at least the ones I've received, had to open a leader valve to get the lid off..
#10
How can you have it on a box if it's on a stand? Reason is for ease of moving it out and working on it. Basically I tore the engine apart down to the long block. Need to still put a car pan on it, and swap the stock LM7 cam for the LQ9. So I need access to the whole engine which is why it needs to stay on a stand. I also get a good bit of snow in the winter so keeping it high off the ground is a plus since it will only be covered by a tarp.
#11
TECH Senior Member
Before you throw a tarp over it, pull a HD black trash bag over it and tape the opening around the engine stand frame
#12
TECH Addict
Doh whoops I forgot your trying to work on it.. I was missile locked on storing the motor..
Hmm.. what about using a engine box, cut it so it fits over the motor on the stand ,, then use expanding foam to make a seal around the support shaft of the engine stand? that way you just pull the latches and drop the box off? The boxes are really sealed, so if you could seal to the engine stand pivot you'd be gold. I know its not the original question,, but just thinking out loud...
Hmm.. what about using a engine box, cut it so it fits over the motor on the stand ,, then use expanding foam to make a seal around the support shaft of the engine stand? that way you just pull the latches and drop the box off? The boxes are really sealed, so if you could seal to the engine stand pivot you'd be gold. I know its not the original question,, but just thinking out loud...