I purchased a rebuilt 360 yesterday. I won't be able to put it in the Ram until the weather gets a little warmer. Is there anything specific I should do to the engine until then? It is currently on a crate in my garage. I sprayed a little bit of wd40 in the spark plugs. i have to buy new plugs, it does not have any. It also does not have a carb, I put a towel in.

 

it would be a good idea to get some spark plugs to keep crap out but as long as it is covered it should be OK. i would probably cover it with a bed sheet, sheet of plastic or something to keep the dust off of it until the weather gets warmer. putting a bit of engine oil in each cylinder and then manually turning it over by hand would not hurt. keeps the cylinders lubed.

 

Engine oil? Should I not be using wd40?

 

wd40 probably won't hurt it but i don't see it really doing anything for it. wd40 is more of a penetrating fluid and not really a lube.

 

Wd40 really can't hurt, at the very least it will temporarily keep moisture from building up in the cylinders. Definitely put something in the spk plug holes, and put a contractor type garbage bag over the whole thing and seal it up best you can.

 

How long did it set with no plugs or carb? Was it at least covered? I know people don't like hearin this, but if you got the time, I'd pull the heads and see what's up. Personally that would worry me to death.

Good luck!

 

Where did you purchase the engine from? If you got it from a rebuilder it should already be sealed up properly for storage. If not, you know you have to buy the plugs anyway so buy them now and temporarily install them hand tight to keep debris and moisture out of the combustion chambers. WD40 will work as a fogging agent and actually attracts less moisture than oil but installing plugs makes this a moot point. Plug all openings in the engine with lint free rags and bag the engine as best you can.

 

I got it from a mechanic who got it from his buddy who rebuild engines. He rebuilt it 5 years ago. His son total the truck. I got it for $150. The internals look brand new. Th mechanic I got it from said to spray wd40 in it and then put plugs in. I plan on getting the plugs today after work. I've already put a lint free rag in the top.

 

Sounds like you are good to go.

 

He also suggested a new oil pan and valve cover seals.