Putting my 454 in storage!

Hello, a week ago I crashed my 73 nova :( , so I have to pull the motor(454) out to be able to work on the front end. So my question is, If I put the motor in storage for a good while when would it be too late to till the motor wont want to start? I heard that when the motor is stored for a long time, It wont work once it tries to get started! But im not sure how long does it take till the motor aint no good after being stored for a long time. Im also not sure if I should keep the car because it needs alot of work! Maybe Ill save up to buy a Chevelle, or Camaro? till then the motor is not going to be in use. thanks for any replies. Danny

Well I haven't ever heard anything like that!

When an engine sits the seals and stuff dry out and usually you will have some leaks on start up!

I have heard of people loosening all of the rocker arms to take the stress of the springs!

You do want to cover the engine well for storage

Prime it well before you start it!! other than that you should be ok

It should be fine - even after years of storage. Here are some ideas, though.

Get all the water out of the motor. Drain it and blow it out with air. Change the oil and filter. Dump all of the fuel out of the carb - even if you have to take the float bowl(s) off. I'd take the carb off and seal intake manifold with duct tape. If the exhaust manifolds are still on the car, duct tape over the ends. Take the spark plugs out and squirt a little oil in the cylinders. Put the spark plugs back in finger tight. Tape over the water inlet and outlet necks. Best to store it inside somewhere.

Loosening all the rockers is probably a good idea too. It will seal off all the cylinders. People say it takes the stress off the springs, but considering all the stress they take in 100,000 miles or so, I'm not sure that's true. However, it won't hurt - unless you forget to reset them before you try to fire it up. :D

i would tape over every open hole and shoot a little oil in the cyl like henry said but i would leave the rockers alone and just turn the motor over a couple times a year.

I pour oil down the carb while it's running till it dies as an oiling method before long term storage, then remove carb, loosen all valve springs, drain all fluids, tape ALL holes, cover with plastic bag and store, have done this and restarted (longest) after 12 years (after resetting springs/changing plugs etc) with no problems. :toocool:

Or... you can just sell that puppie to me and it can be REstored into my 48!??? heh After storage you will wan't to change some of the gaskets I am sure, they will leak and same with the seals. But make sure you do the oil thing in the cylinders.

Sorry to hear about the Nova! I would also leave the rockers alone . A little wd-40 in the cylinders for short term or oil for a longer term in the plugs is good. Definately take carb off and empty fuel,it will turn into varnish if you don't. also taping up exhaust , intake and all coolant ports is good.