Storing a Flathead Block

4

49r

Senior Member
I've just brought a good hot-tanked 8BA flathead block home as a spare. I've curently sat it in the shed, inlet manifold down, on two blocks of wood, sprayed CRC everywhere I can get, and wrapped it in a cotton sheet to keep dust out. Anything I'm missing for long-term preservation?
 
Cotton will absorb moisture. Not sure what CRC product you used. I've used engine assembly oil on the bores and other machined surfaces. There are some metal perservatives that contain wax, and this seals the surface from contact with oxygen and moisture. Use two large trash bags.
 
Use Cosmoline. Be careful of plastic bags as they can act like a green house and trap moisture.
Torchie.
 
You can use rag material around iron & steel parts as long as it is oil soaked but even that is somewhat temporary. A good rub with grease and plastic trash bag cover will work for a long period of time but nothing will last more than a few years except a hot dip in paralketone (cosmoline for some) and very dry storage.
 
Thanks Guys - good advice. The CRC is the "5.56" lubrication/anti-rust/general purpose product. Think I'll get some grease onto it as the next easiest step.
 
I mix 50/50 WD 40 & engine oil put in spray bottle & spray complete block, seems to work well.
Gary.
 
I have used about everything over the years and I think Gibbs Brand oil is the best and you will be able to paint later with no trouble. Problem with cotton or any fabric especially in a shed could be rodents nest material, don't know what would protect against their waste.
 
wga said:
Cotton will absorb moisture. Not sure what CRC product you used. I've used engine assembly oil on the bores and other machined surfaces. There are some metal perservatives that contain wax, and this seals the surface from contact with oxygen and moisture. Use two large trash bags.
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Cotton does not "absorb" moisture it will attract whatever is ambient. It works well between the iron and plastic bag as a air space to insulate against sudden temperature changes that cause condensation. I think the golden rule in preserving iron is keep it in a storage area that it has natural daily temperature changes.

Lonnie
 
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