I've recently brought two 1275 A-Series engines, one short engine assembled minus the head the other a block that's been bored (40 thou) and ready to go with a Wade Cam, a 10/10 crank, a head and three gearboxes plus many other extras. The plan was to assemble the engine in parts then fit into my 78' Clubman, the other engine to strip and rebuild over time.

Due to an unfortunate change in circumstance both project are now on hold indefinitely!

So what is the best way to preserve and store these motors long term?
(I would be open to sensible offers if anyone wanted the whole lot or part of).

Cheers,

Clean, rub down with an oiled rag, wrap in cling wrap and store on a shelf off the ground.

I also put mine inside those big cheap tubs you get from Supercrap or Bunnings.

Keeps the dust off the engine and covering, and minimises moisture floating past.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Cheers guys, I was thinking of building a ply wood create to store them but the plastic tubs would do the job for the gearboxes and block

Might drop into IGA for a few hundred metres of glad wrap!

It will break the plastic in the tub if you're not careful, they're pretty brittle being cheap. Put a folded towel in their first to spread the load from the sharp bits. The little inbuilt wheels come in handy however...

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Bunnings for the wrap Marty.
when I have 'laid up' large Diesel Engines also place a bag of desiccant to absorb moisture inside crankcases.

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It's easy once you know how.

Just remember if storing anything long term in plastic tubs , make sure that they are up off the ground
somewhat .
There is a member on here that had a bad experience with an unexpected flood that went through his garage some years back , unfortunately the water got into the tubs , but couldn't drain out , .

One hell of a clean up !

I have always put the pistons midway up the bores just in case you need to run a hone down it later if moisture gets in.
If you have 2 pistons at BDC then you wont be able to hone the bores without pulling apart the engine.

Will the engine need turning every now and again? If so, how often?

Long term storage

Pistons half way after soaking bores with new oil or engine spray ( auto shops sell them) plugs in. Back off the rockers to close valves and release spring tension. Spray all you can with oil or engine spray. Wrap or place in old towel/blanket or hessian sack soaked in oil, In a cardboard box.
Will last for years.

I try to avoid cling wrap or plastic if stored for more than a few months.

Darren