Thread: Chevy small block startup after 2 months in storage

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So according to you folks, after 2 months storage, you think there is still enough residual oil on bearings, cam lobes and crankshaft journals for example, to prevent damage from cranking the engine to start it up after 2 months in a heated garage?

What I've done so far is crank it for 5 or 6 seconds, release the key and then crank it another time to start the engine after another 3 or 4 seconds of cranking. Is it enough according to you to prevent damage? I figure since it runs every two months that there's still a bit of residual oil on the components....Right???? Any other opinions on that?

Thanks,

Steve

I would not be concerned in the least. Even if the engine has sat for a year or so. Mostly depends on whether it has been started in the past or not. When I do a rebuild, I always lubricate very generously for the initial start and ALWAYS fill the filter before it is mounted whether it is a "new" start or not.
If the engine has been started in the past since installation I would be concerned. Start it up.

Originally Posted by gmcsierragrande

What I've done so far is crank it for 5 or 6 seconds, release the key and then crank it another time to start the engine after another 3 or 4 seconds of cranking.

I don't understand why you're doing all this cranking. The most critical part of the motor, the cam lobes and lifter faces are lubed WITH CRANK SPLASH ONLY. If the motor isn't running, they're dry.

If you're going to fire the motor periodically at all, for heaven's sake make sure it's ready to fire off when you first hit the key.