Engine rebuild and start up interval

[johns2000]

How long can you let an engine sit after rebuild without starting it before you could have problems, rust etc? After I take the old engine out I would like to clean up the engine bay and do some other modifications to the suspension and steering before slapping in the new one.

Thanks in advance

[ranchero57]

depends on where you live,down south (gulf coast)rust will start to form in the cyls. after 4 to 6 months.however the rust is very light.I have seen engines sit for as much as 2 or more years and be fired up and put into service with no problems.If you are in a less humid area you can buy much more time.A few hints,put sta-bil into the carb. float bowl through the bowl vent and turn the engine through a revolution every 3 months and you can have it out for many years.Anson--ranchero57

[shopratwoody]

Not counting a carb etc, if oiled down well and protected properly, back off rockers
to save valve springs and don't worry about it. Diesel fuel work well also
Ron