I bought a spare engine and it has been stored ever since. However it came with engine oil in it which has been used. Would it be advisable to change out the used oil to fresh oil? Won't it just sit in the carter? How do I get the new oil to circulate through the engine? Can I just hook up a battery to the starter motor and have it do some rotations?
Old oil can become corrosive if left in an engine and can also pick up moisture. Get rid ASAP as you've no idea how long the oil has been in there. Does the engine run ?
I accept the above, but would it also be relevant as to where the engine is stored? In a dry loft, away from moisture or air conditioned garage or in a dripping tin shack. If the latter then leaving the oil in may be the better of two evils?
Can you just fill up the engine all the way up with fresh oil? Never done it myself but I assume if removing the valve cover and spark plug a reasonable amount should go in? Then slowly turn the crank. Just thinking loud here...
I meant to coat the inside of the engine with oil, if some comes out then that's it,or you can plug the breather valve? I do not think there be any crankcase pressure by slowly rotating the crank couple of turns,(don't spin it 11000rpm by hand ) so maybe safe to plug or fit a hose and route above the engine height? Just my 2p worth of...
You can store the engine without oil in it - as you said as long as its not sat outside in the rain. Personally I would drop the oil and just lob in WD40 in all the holes, and leave it dry until you are ready to use it.
Oil out and some fresh oil in the plug holes,turn the crank to line the cylinders then stick it in one of them vac bags and store in warm dry conditions!
All engine manufacturers, that sell engines only, do inhibit their engines prior to storage.. I would fill the engine, inc some down the spark plugs holes, inlet and exhaust ports.. Turn the engine over slowly to purge the oil pump/gallery's.. Then seal the ports with rags... gently roll the engine so to coat the internals.. Finally put the engine in a bin bag and spray inside with your favourite AF40 and then seal it. Cook for 3 hrs on 180' Fan....
If you want to put oil into the cylinders through the spark plug holes make sure it’s only a small amount then turn the engine over by hand before replacing the plugs, otherwise you risk forgetting the oil is in there and firing it up with disastrous results when you “hydraulic” the engine.
