Long term engine storage prep question

[salvageyard saviour]

Hope this isn't like an oil or efi topic.

I have 2 SBC 350's gen 1 that I've stripped down and reassembled. One has been started on a homemade test stand. The other is also on a homemade test stand but never had oil in yet just assembly lube, never cranked yet.

Both are fully dressed for 73 OMC. One completely age appropriate, the other upgraded HEI distributor and Delco 3 wire alternator. Lots of glass work for the hull so it may be a couple of years before I use either of them but not decided on which one yet.

Finally the question,
I want to put oil in and start the one to check everything works okay (carb, custom wiring, oil pressure, charge and start etc.)

Should I leave it with the lube and wait to start? Or will it be okay leave the oil in it for storage? If not, what should I do with the one that's been running?

After playing with them I'll drain water, oil the cylinders, drain carb, relieve valve spring pressure and plug all openings to keep vermin out. They're also in a heated shed.

 

[matt167]

SBC engines, will be ok if you just let them sit. Especially the one that has only assembly lube in it.. Make sure you get oil pressure to that one before you let it sit but it'll be ok. You can loosen the rocker arms if you like.

keep in mind that a 3 wire delco and an HEI are not USCG approved

 

[Scott Danforth]

I woul loosen the rocker arms and bag the motors

 

[salvageyard saviour]

Thanks for the replies,
I won't worry about storage with just the oil. Was just concerned about the new bearings drying up, so maybe I'll spin the oil pump before starting in the future.

Thanks for also pointing out marine isn't always the same as auto.
The dizzy is a Sierra Thunderbolt and alternator is 68 amp mercruiser application of the Delco with sense, ignition and bat output wires. (I'm probably confused how to count the wires)

Thanks again for the advice for storage. I've always used my engines right after repairing, never stored like this before.

 

[Scott06]

Thanks for the replies,
I won't worry about storage with just the oil. Was just concerned about the new bearings drying up, so maybe I'll spin the oil pump before starting in the future.

Thanks for also pointing out marine isn't always the same as auto.
The dizzy is a Sierra Thunderbolt and alternator is 68 amp mercruiser application of the Delco with sense, ignition and bat output wires. (I'm probably confused how to count the wires)

Thanks again for the advice for storage. I've always used my engines right after repairing, never stored like this before.

As mentioned if you bag it you will be fine. I did a rebuild on a Pontiac 389 years ago. Sat for three years with just assembly lube in it . Added oil primed via distributor hole with priming tool/drill, broke in the cam…years later it still runs well.