Re: Engine that hasn't run in over 25 years question.

Posted by Ben Jenkinson on August 12, 1998 at 20:31:40

In Reply to: Engine that hasn't run in over 25 years question.
posted by Neil Mylar, Southern Calif on August 12, 1998 at 18:27:36

: I just purchased a 1928 Phaeton.The previous owner purchase it in 1974 but never tried to get it running.I was hoping to get it running before I disassemble it so I could hear if there were any problems.Before I cranked it over with the crank, I removed the oil pan plug and let the small amount of oil that was in it (less than 1/4 quart) drain out.Thankfully, there was no water in the oil.I took off the distributor and poured a quart of oil down the hole.The oil pan plug was still off, but no oil came out.That seemed strange to me.Also before cranking over the engine, I took the plugs out and squirted some oil into the cylinders.When I went over to the driver's side of the engine, I noticed 2 spots on the head gasket that seemed to have oil on it.I'm thinking that it came from the inside from my squirting.I've never seen this before.I then cranked the engine over by hand and I could hear the compression sound that the cylinders make.Eventually I plan on putting on a rebuilt distributor, carbuerator, etc, and try to start it.I have 2 questions: 1). Do you think there is anything blocking the oil from coming out of the drain plug?Do you think that the head gasket will leak?Any other advise you could give me on this project would be appreciated.Thanks in advance, Neil
Hi Neil,
I stored a 29 for 9 years. It was full of oil and was kept dry.(This was a one owner car in prime condition.) I took it out of storage,changed the fluids and started driving it. Within a short while the main and rod bearings were gone.
When I tore it down I found that the crankshaft had "X"es rusted in most of the journals and this had cut the babbit bearings out. These engines have groves in the bearings that look like an X and if the oil leaks out of them while in storage,and moisture gets in--The crank will rust. If I had taken the crank out and had it polished, I would probably have a standard shaft today. I will never start an A engine after long storage without at least pulling the pan and checking a couple of bearing caps. Best of luck, Ben jenkinson