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How to refresh an engine thats been on the stand for 15yrs

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5akman

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Years ago I build a long rod SBC 400. I went all out as it was a motor that I put in my jet boat and had it balanced and blueprinted. According to the dyno chart provided by Berkeley Jet Drive, it put out 410hp which put a smile on my face! I took the engine out when I sold the boat and its been sitting on a stand in my garage for 15yrs. Its now time to put the engine in an 89' 2500 4x4 that I will use as a work truck. I'm hesitant to just drop it in the truck but then again, I'm not sure what to do to "refresh" it. It only has about 20 hrs on the motor but I haven't been good about squirting oil in the cylinders and turning it over. Should I completely strip it down and replace seals/gaskets and make sure the rings aren't stuck or just put it in and drive it?
 
after 15 years of no use I would say all gaskets and seals are no good. Depending on your climate you may have some rust spots internally depending on condensation etc.
 
I would try and get a bore scope if you can to see what the cylinder walls look like. If not you could also pull the heads to look then you will wind up replacing most of the gaskets anyway. Just remember the work is easier to do on the stand than in the truck.
 
The oil pan is still full? If so the pan gasket is probably ok. If it was in a boat, does it spin backwards? Some do. The top end should come apart for a once over look in the cylinders. I found it's cheapest to get a set of FelPro performance valve job gaskets and use what I need rather than buying them one at a time. If there is some light rust in the cylinders, it's easy to clean them with some very fine scotchbrite and WD40.
 
A lot of oil in the cylinders (spray into the spark plug holes) for a good fogging out. After you run the motor for a little while, change all the fluids right away. And then again after 500-100 miles or so. After sitting that long, you probably need new rubber seals/gaskets etc. Access to check and correct the problems as they arise. The good stuff that makes the horse power should be OK. ;)
 
Sounds good, I'll get a gasket kit and break it down to check everything out. It has had oil in it the entire time, been stored in the garage in northern CA where there is not much humidity to contend with.
 
Seeing your a Marine Engine guy, I know you know what a good fogging is! ;) Good luck and keep us advised of how you make out.

TAKE PHOTOS IF YOU CAN!
 
yes, I know a bit about marine engines. I comm fish in AK each summer. Matter of fact, this truck project will be shipped up after its completed to act as a replacement flat bed when I retire my '81 3500 after this season.

Lance
www.alldrinsalmon.com
 
Me too. I was a commercial shell fisherman for many years. Only had outboard motors though on the boat. Never had to fog it out due to fishing all year round. ;)
 
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