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[GrahamK]

Hi All,

Recently picked up a 65000 mile complete 2.6 engine and gearbox. It was only £125 so I couldn't refuse. (I saw a video of it running) and I'm planning to strip off any useful spares, alternator, starter motor, coil-packs etc before splitting the engine and box and then mothballing them for future use.
My first concern is splitting the two without damaging the Torque convertor bit, as from photos i've seen it looks a bit fragile. Any recommended procedures?
Secondly any advice of what to do to the engine to best protect it, whilst it is in storage. it's still got the oil in at the moment and most of the coolant in the block. It will be well wrapped, but will be subject to frost where i plan to store it.
Will i need to turn it over occasionally?
Plugs out or in/ Loosened/
Should i Block off the coolant hoses and completely fill with Antifreeze?
Might it be a good idea to change the timing belt? I have the gear and I have done one before. I'm thinking of just the belt as I won't be running it just yet. I can check the tensioners/pulleys etc to ensure they are not falling off. i have no history of the last belt change, but know it was a 2002 car
Any other ideas?

Thanks for looking.
Graham.

[Nick W]

To prevent issues with the gearbox, it would be better leaving it attached to the engine. Plug the trans cooler lines and you're done.


Drain all of the coolant and oil from the engine, any deterioration of either won't do any good; if they're not there, it won't be a problem . Make blanking covers for the exhaust manifolds, throttle body and breathers. Ensure the spark plugs have plenty of anti-seize, and squirt some oil down each bore. You're trying to ensure that no dirt or moisture can get into the inlet/exhaust tracts, combustion chambers or anywhere oil goes.

Keep it somewhere clean, dry, pest free(rodents love chewing wiring and rubber) with a constant temperature.


Replace the cam belt, thermostat and hoses before(if!) you use the engine.

[GrahamK]

Hi Nick,

Thanks for that.
I take your point about the "If"
However, at the price I paid, at the mileage on it, even if I don't need to use it or the gearbox in a few years or so, i believe someone will take it off my hands.

thanks though.

Graham.

[456lbft]

Hi Nick,

Thanks for that.
I take your point about the "If"
However, at the price I paid, at the mileage on it, even if I don't need to use it or the gearbox in a few years or so, i believe someone will take it off my hands.

thanks though.

Graham.

I hope you are right, I have a fair bit riding on that premise, and at the moment Omegas are still very much in the throwaway car category, with whole cars available for a few hundred pounds.

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

I vaguely remember reading somewhere that the best way to store an autobox is stood on its end ? 

[VXL V6]

I vaguely remember reading somewhere that the best way to store an autobox is stood on its end ? 

Yes, was a thread on ABS I believe

[GrahamK]

bell housing down presumably.
Like that, minimum floorspace.

regards,

Graham.

[Nick W]

bell housing down presumably.
Like that, minimum floorspace.

You'll need to cobble together a couple of clamps to retain the torque converter.