Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Albioninoz]

Hi,

I am a good few months into the restoration of my 1957 Rover P4 '90' and I realise that I need to pay attention to the engine and brakes during this period of inactivity. This period is going to be a few years at least and although the engine ran when I started, I don't want it to seize or sustain damage due to it not being run. So, my question is, what steps should I take to ensure no harm comes to the engine or other moving parts during the restoration. This will make me feel a lot better while continuing with the work.

Cheers,

Ray

[goneps]

Ray,

Search the internet for advice on preserving piston engines as fitted to light aircraft. As far as I recall they use a special preserving oil and turn the engine once per week, making sure that it's left in a different position each time. The common Lycoming and Continental engines are quite delicate compared with car engines, and mandatory procedures are set out for all aspects of their maintenance.

Richard

[47Jag]

Ray,

In my experience, condensation is the biggest enemy. I have had two engines in long term storage. One was the straight 8 from the '38 Buick that I just sold and it was in the garage with reconditioned cylinder head on and plugs fitted. It sat in the corner for 20 years or so while I got on with making a living. When I dragged it out with a view to fitting it in the car I found that 3 of the valves were rotten with rust due to condensation forming when the weather had warmed up but the engine being so big had retained the cold so that the warmer moist air condensed because the ports were open to the atmosphere. The other engine from my Jaguar was rebuilt and lived in our spare bedroom for the same period of time and was as new when it got evicted. To this day the room is referred to as the engine room.

Art