Small Block sat for a year
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 799
Likes: 26
From: Lexington Park Maryland
Small Block sat for a year
What would you recommend be done to an engine that sat for a year? This is a build up SB 400 pushing 450hp, I want to install it in my 1972 so it is drivable while I am rebuilding the original motor. Thank you in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
It depends on if the motor has been run before and the cam is broken in. If that's the case you should check all fluid levels, pull the coil wire so there's no spark to the plugs, turn it over until you see good oil pressure, and then fire it up. Some folks would just start it w/o that and call it good. Do make sure there are no fuel leaks before you fire it up, for obvious reasons. Carb gaskets can go bad when they sit too long and it's always good to double check fuel lines anyway.
If the motor has been built but never fired you'll need to determine what kind of cam is in it to see if it needs to be broken in. You'd also be wise to pull the distributor and prime the oil pump until you see good pressure. I won't write a book on cam break in since you can do a search and find all you need on that.
If the motor has been built but never fired you'll need to determine what kind of cam is in it to see if it needs to be broken in. You'd also be wise to pull the distributor and prime the oil pump until you see good pressure. I won't write a book on cam break in since you can do a search and find all you need on that.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
It depends on if the motor has been run before and the cam is broken in. If that's the case you should check all fluid levels, pull the coil wire so there's no spark to the plugs, turn it over until you see good oil pressure, and then fire it up. Some folks would just start it w/o that and call it good. Do make sure there are no fuel leaks before you fire it up, for obvious reasons. Carb gaskets can go bad when they sit too long and it's always good to double check fuel lines anyway.
If the motor has been built but never fired you'll need to determine what kind of cam is in it to see if it needs to be broken in. You'd also be wise to pull the distributor and prime the oil pump until you see good pressure. I won't write a book on cam break in since you can do a search and find all you need on that.
If the motor has been built but never fired you'll need to determine what kind of cam is in it to see if it needs to be broken in. You'd also be wise to pull the distributor and prime the oil pump until you see good pressure. I won't write a book on cam break in since you can do a search and find all you need on that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
Preoil the heck out of it while it's on the stand and make sure all the seals get a touch of oil. Put a squirt of oil in each cylinder, then turn the engine by hand through a couple of rotations. The idea is to get it good and wet before dropping it in.
Then preoil again right before the start - and cross your fingers
Then preoil again right before the start - and cross your fingers
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
IMO, a year isn't really a long time for an engine to sit. I would imagine some of the less often ordered crate motors can sit in a warehouse that long. After preoiling, my main focus would be the carb & fuel lines.
A tip from experience: check and recheck everything several times. Its much better to find that bolt or hose clamp that was just snugged before you start the engine.
Sounds like a fun project, maybe you'll have some pics?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
I'd follow the advice already given. But I'd start it and check for leaks, etc BEFORE dropping into the engine bay. Weld up an angle iron stand, or if you lack welding skills, screw together some framing lumber to match up to the engine mounting pads. It's not like you're gonna rev it to 6 grand, just idle to off idle will tell a lot about its condition.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 799
Likes: 26
From: Lexington Park Maryland
Thank you everyone, from my understanding the car ran and driven to the spot it is parked now until the mice got to the electrical and would not start. I will definite follow all the advice posted. Thank you. I think I really have the bug for driving Iconic car after years of Bimmers.
My club has done their job converting me to enjoy Corvettes.
My club has done their job converting me to enjoy Corvettes.
