I am going to try and remove my engine over the Easter weekend
I read the how to thread that doogie posted and he said to drain the oil from the car almost first. Thats fine. If i manage to get motor out or dont
How long can i leave it with no oil or should i refill it with some cheapo oil?
Can i drain the radiator and cooling sys or will it rust quickly?

I have taken the twins off and there are two holes near the manifold
Should I put something in the holes to stop any rusting or will it be ok?

I have also removed the rocker cover and its just sitting on the head, Is that ok?
Any advice appreciated

The most important details you left out are how is the car being stored (ie in a reasonably sealed garage or out in the open)? and how long do you intend to store it. I would think a few weeks or more should be fine if garaged, but if in the weather (or worse - under a tarp) surface rust could start sooner in my opinion.

_________________

car is being kept in a saeled garage

the restoration may take some years as i have no clue what im doing, just learning along the way

Tip: don't let the radiator dry out unless you won't use it for a long time. Did that when I replaced the water pump on my Lancer, and the bloody thing overheated on the freeway as all the dried gunk blocked the system up and boiled it dry!

_________________
Cooper S Mk2
Cooper S Mk1
ex Cooper S Mk2, various Morris 1100s, 1300s, 1500s, Leyland Sherpa!

thanks for the tip. I was thinking of replacing it with probably a 2 core rediator but some people on here say to reco the old one. Mine atm seems to have a lot of white powdery stuff near the cap and on top of the radiator, could it have been overheating; temp seemed ok when last driving got a bit hot on hot days or in traffic but other than that was ok

Most people store engines and engine parts in garages for years without issues. Yes I would seal all the obvious openings with cloth or race tape from what you now say. The rocker cover should be OK just lightly tightened back up. I wouldn't re-fill it with oil.

Are you not looking at rebuilding the engine anyhow?

for long term storage of individual engine items, most people spray them with WD40 or similar; or smear them with engine assembly lube or similar and wrap them in old cloth (not plastic as it doesn't allow the moisture out).

Hope that helps.
KB

_________________

i am planning a rebuild im just not sure how surface rust might affect any components in any way for the rebuild. Just trying to be cautious