Effects of storing engine away?

[Jimbo]

So the mechanic that fixed the no spark issue on my current supra is willing to sell me his supra that he has just sittin at his shop. It's a '90 white NA 5-speed. He's had the engine out since at least last july. At first he wanted 2 grand for it but now he wants only $1k.

So my question is, are there any negative effects of storing an engine away for an extended period of time, like significant carbon/sludge build-up? Will it fire up ok and run the same as it did before it got taken out?

I just got curious after he slashed the price in half, as if something has happened and he knows about it.

He also said he'll replace every seal/gasket for an extra 500 bucks. Good Deal?

 

[IJ.]

Can end up sacking out a few of the valve springs if it's not turned from time to time.

If I'm storing for extended periods I'll pop the cams or remove the pushrods as required.

 

[Poodles]

Why was it removed...

 

[Jimbo]

Can end up sacking out a few of the valve springs if it's not turned from time to time.

If I'm storing for extended periods I'll pop the cams or remove the pushrods as required.

I highly doubt he did anything of the sort. If they are sacked will a simple valve job fix it? Or will it need new springs?

Why was it removed...

one thing he said was "the old engine was making a lot of wierd noises and got another one" but I dont believe him. I think the current engine that I've seen on the engine stand since last summer is the same one that came outta the car.

 

[IJ.]

It's a new spring dealy but get em tested first

 

[Jimbo]

It's a new spring dealy but get em tested first

Definitely, thanks. Anything else to look out for? Piston wise maybe?

 

[IJ.]

Could always look inside with a borescope maybe run a comp test.

 

[Cz.]

My old 7M sat around for about 3+ years, I started it at most every 6 months. It started up and drove fine around the end of the 3rd year when I finally got rid of it. The guy who bought the engine is using it and hasn't had any problems with it as far as I know.
I didn't do anything to preserve the engine since the frame was a loss, I was suprised that the engine was fine after so long.

 

[radiod]

The other thing you'd probably run in to is some dried up seals. Anything not touching oil will most likely leak. I'd look at reasealing on top of looking at the springs. Compression test is always a good idea no matter if the motor was sitting or not so you have SOME idea on what the condition is.

If $500 to replace every seal is actually true (aka, doing valve seals), then doing valve springs really won't take any more time. You'll be taking them off anyways. While it's apart that far I'd get the shim clearances measured and adjusted if necessary.

Honestly if it was "making lots of weird noises" I'd take a look at the bottom end if it's going to be out of the car, make sure everything's happy downstairs before putting it to work. It could be other stuff, accessories, belts, pulleys, valve adjustments, etc., but I'd personally eliminate as many potential problems before putting it in a car. Much easier to do with it out already than to have to pull everything again.

 

[supra_man87]

i guess maybe you have to take the same precautions as when you get a jdm engine. when i ordered mine 4 years ago, my coolant passages were rusted up that it clogged my radiator and blew the top off of it. i dont think that you'll have THAT big of a problem, but yeah, new seals and gaskets all around would be a good idea eitherway

 

[Jimbo]

I want to seal everything up myself at his shop while the engine is out of the car, but I doubt he'll let me due to insurance issues.
If I do take the car, I might just have him replace the rear main seal while its out, and I'll do the rest when I take it home.
How much of a bitch is it to replace the oil pan gasket with the engine installed?

 

[Poodles]

Rather do a rear main than an oil pan in the car...

 

[hvyman]

Thats almost the same job.

It would prolly be quicker and easier to just pull the engine.

 

[Jimbo]

Rather do a rear main than an oil pan in the car...

yeah I figured.
Im starting to wonder if all this is even worth an NA.

 

[supra_man87]

yeah i hear the pan is a PITA!! i was considering doing that to mine, but found out how hard it was and pulled the engine instead. if you need a gasket set, hit me up, i can get you a cometic set fairly priced.

 

[Poodles]

Not the same job at all. Dropping the tranny is easy, dropping the front subframe is MUCH more work...