I now have a good-running, spare engine for my '17 Touring, and have a pretty good idea of how I will keep it ready for service, if needed. But, I would appreciate input from the rest of the Model T community on their techniques for preserving engines in the shop, and keeping them in a near-operational state. Thank you.

Keep it in a dry environment and in an area that does not form condensation on heavy metal things.

Plug all openings to keep out mice and bugs.

Drain any gas and oil out of the motor.

Maybe light oil in the combustion chamber, cylinders and valves and guides would not hurt.

I think the main thing is a dry area free of condensation. We have all seen motors put into service after setting for decades with no problem.

Jim

I would also add that once a year or so check to make sure all the holes are still plugged found where a small bird removed shop towels from a 302 I was storing and had a birds nest in the intake... little animals are diligent when looking for places to have babies I still haven't figgured out how the bird got in there

Thanks to both of you for the advice.

It probably wouldn't hurt to leave the crank on it so you can turn it over once in a while.

I agree with Mike. Giving it a turn or two from time to time won't hurt it.

I just wish I HAD a spare engine to worry about storing!! Maybe some day.

Why not fasten it to a solid pallet and every 3 months start it and run it?? Sid on the next farm had a model A engine that we sat on the ground and drove a axel shaft on each side and we ran it like that! We used a aftermarket model T radiator i found in my Granddad's barn and we used old bicycle tubes for hoses! I'm proud to say the radiator is on the wall in my barn! Bud in Wheeler.

Where I worked, they'd assemble everything with oil and spray the bores with "RustVeto", before putting an engine in storage.
With an engine already assembled, I'd put some engine oil down the plug holes and crank her over a few times. Put the engine in an air tight plastic bag with a few bags of desiccant. The desiccant will draw the moisture out of the air, and nothing will rust.

Here's where you can get silica gel packets, dehydrator spark plugs, preservative oil, etc.:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/eppages/dehydrplugs.php

http://www.royalpurpleindustrial.com/products/vp-preservative-oil-10/

http://www.silicagelpackets.com/silica-gel-packets/silica-gel-packets-cotton-tyv ek-sachets-dry-packs/

Every time I ever had a spare engine to store in the garage, it somehow wound up with a car assembled around it from other spare parts.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2

Thanks to everyone who provided supplier's names, info and advice. Regarding Wayne's comment, I am doing my best to resist the temptation to assemble another car. Hopefully, there won't be many ads for Model T's that "just need an engine". I will keep you posted on my success or failure in that regard. Joe

Bud, the reason not to start up an engine in storage ever so often is the wear that occurs everytime an engine is started cold, plus the acids that forms in the oil if the engine isn't run for a very long time to operating temperature.

Roger,There is good and bad with almost anything.People say air tight storage but unless you have a constant temp the engine will sweat.Normal oil has very little cling and a turn or two of the crank will not move oil to cover exposed machined surfaces.Joe Bell has a cut off frame for a run in stand that work's well.Do you/we change oil hot or cold? If you have a starter would it spin the engine fast enough with out spark plugs to really move the oil? With no starter would a heavy duty el drill work?Bud.

Another use for Marvel Mystery Oil. Put some in the cylinder bores and turn it over ever so often.