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What to look for in engine that's been in storage?
rodgling - 19/6/11 at 10:18 AM

After the demise of the 328 engine in my car, I'm going to look at a replacement M3 engine today. It's been in storage for five years, and it's out of a car so obviously I can't see it running. The seller says it was running fine when he bought it, but then he would really.

What should I be looking for? I'm not really sure what exactly I can check before buying, so it'll be a bit of a gamble.

thanks

[Edited on 19/6/11 by rodgling]

AndyW - 19/6/11 at 10:36 AM

To be honest, if its been in storage for that long and no proof of it running I would make a silly offer, take it or leave it. Could be a good en, but could be a money pit.

rodgling - 19/6/11 at 10:39 AM

What's the downside of it being in storage? Is it bad for the engine in some way?

tomgregory2000 - 19/6/11 at 10:57 AM

Rust!!!

Any steel part that has not been coated in yummy yummy oil will rust.
Rings will rust to the bores etc etc

rodgling - 19/6/11 at 11:00 AM

Hmm, that doesn't sound good. Is there a procedure for properly storing an engine to avoid this, ie put particular oils in it, drip a bit of oil in it now and then? If i try turning it over by hand without issues can I assume that it's OK?

Doctor Derek Doctors - 19/6/11 at 02:02 PM

quote:
Originally posted by rodgling
Hmm, that doesn't sound good. Is there a procedure for properly storing an engine to avoid this, ie put particular oils in it, drip a bit of oil in it now and then? If i try turning it over by hand without issues can I assume that it's OK?


You should never assume anything that isn't proven is O.K, if anything you should assume the opposite and make a low offer accordingly.

JF - 19/6/11 at 02:07 PM

Buying an engine without hearing it run is always a gamble. Certainly when laid up that long. But it might be a gem all the same.

Being able to turn it over by hand would be a nice indication. But if possible (if the seller allows you) I'd try and get a look at the insides. Taking of the valvecover and sump to look for rust and wear there. Camshafts should be nice and smooth etc. And give the engine a good visual inspection for missing parts, cracks etc.

If that all checks out, I'd still be wary to hand over to much money though. And possible try to get some form of warranty...

But well... as said... it might be a gem...

rodgling - 19/6/11 at 03:14 PM

Yes, planning to inspect as much as I'm allowed to - will certainly turn it over by hand, shine a torch in at the cylinders and valves, hopefully whip the rocker cover off and have a look at the cams, maybe sump off as well though if it's full of oil then I doubt he'll be keen on that one. If that's all good and the seller sounds like he has stored it properly (i.e., put some oil into the cylinders occasionally to stave off rust and not just dumped it in a damp corner of a leaky shed) then I'll probably go for it as the price is quite good. If there's any rust visible then I won't, obviously... fingers crossed.

I'll try for a warranty but to be honest if it was me I wouldn't give one - who knows how the buyer might screw up the engine?

rodgling - 19/6/11 at 03:32 PM

Hmm, seller has never heard it running (not what he said originally) and has just had it sat under a tarpaulin for 10 years now (not five as previously thought), so has done nothing to prevent rust. Guess this isn't the engine for me then.

[Edited on 19/6/11 by rodgling]