So I plan on redoing a few things to my car and will be taking my engine out of my car and keeping it fully assembled. It may be out of the car anywhere from 6 to 12 months. I was wondering what I would need to do regularely to keep the engine in working condition(lubrication, turning crank, etc...) ? I don't want my engine to be in bad shape or need things replaced. when I do drop it back in. Also, how long would it take the engine to start to deteriorate when it is not in use? Any help would be appreciated.

hard to do in that time frame, but try this.

turn the crank every 2-3 months 5 full rotations.
keep it sealed in a plastic bag.

I haven't seen any or any noticable rust form from my engine and its been sitting for about a year. Turned it the other day for the first time, and turned normally with no problems.

Tape off any open ports or openings. Drain out any remaining antifreeze or water from the block. And keep it sealed as best you can in a engine bag.

Obviously keep it out of the elements.

Some people recommend changing the oil in the engine before putting it up for storage as well - but it depends on what you are doing with it during the down times.

Thanks for the reply guys. Anymore suggestions?

Originally posted by 420agreenvilleSC
turn the crank every 2-3 months 5 full rotations.

5? why not 4 or 6? lol

Originally posted by BoostedEclipse
Thanks for the reply guys. Anymore suggestions?

Will be fine. Keep it out of the elements and like previous poster stated tape off any open ports or orifices in the block.

We just dropped a 51 year old 292 Y-block that had been sitting in a SAWMILL loose for about 7 years in the fairlane and with a good flush and cleaning it runs fine. There was enough sawdust in the pan to soak up the oil.