Turning a new engine that has been sitting for years

dwardo99

I have a Hornet engine that was completely rebuilt sometime in the mid-60s and never run. It has been in dry storage all these years and I was thinking it might be good to turn in over. I do not intend to start it any time soon but I do want to know if it has taken a set, so to speak. I am sure putting some penetraing oil or WD40 in the cylinders would be a good idea but I am unsure if I should lubricate the bearings by forcing oil through it somehow. Does anybody have experience with this? How would you do it? Thanks. 

50ClubCoupe

I recently purchased and installed a 262 motor that was rebuilt and placed on an engine stand 15 years ago.  When I got the motor home I used a cheap pump with a fitting connected to the oil sending unit boss and injected enough oil to get everything lubed.  I then hand turned the crank a few times along with lubricating the cylinders.  All seemed good until I fired the motor and began putting miles on it.  I had leaks from almost every gasket except for the rear main (thank goodness) and the head seemed to weep a little water.  My front seal was weeping slightly but it has since dissipated...I think the seal has softened up.I also had to replace the water pump.  When you're ready to install the motor my advice would be to replace all cork gaskets and retorque the head prior to firing, then retorque the head after the motor has warmed then cooled.    Also, be sure to use a good break-in oil that has a high zinc content.  Some folks use diesel oil, I used Valvoline racing oil and now use Brad Penn for regular changes.

VicTor Z

I had a problem with a old rebuilt motor. The grease in the "Oil Pump" harden over the years and pump would not turn, so it stripped the gears on the shaft to the cam . Check the oil pump!

dwardo99

Thanks, guys. I did not realize that you can oil the engine through the oil pressure switch opening. That's good info. That Summit kit is really nice but I'm sure I can rig something up for cheaper.