How long can an engine sit for?

Question

5 months ago, I removed the cylinder head of my 2002 Nissan altima 2.5 engine with 150K miles on it beacuse the head gasket blew.

I removed the old engine oil 3 months ago hoping I was going to assemble it...but other priorities had to be attended.

Right now the head Is off, engine with no oil. Where I live average temperature during the day Is 28 celsius and at night 19 Celsius.

Will this cause the engine to seize?

Thanku guys

Anonymous · Answer

No big deal, wipe the open cylinders dry and then again with an oily rag, then cover it up with a tarp.

Old Man Dirt · Answer

Because the head is off- you should be able to see if the seating surfaces for the pistons are damaged. If they are then the problem might be solved with a honing and possibly new rings.

Anonymous · Answer

Engine should be fine.  Junkyard engines have oil in them after sitting outside for 10 years.  Cover the engine with a tarp.

fuzzy · Answer

Put enough oil in each cylinder to cover the piston top & leave for 1/2 hour. try turning motor over by hand. If it tturns Ok probably you've got away with it. Next time oil or treat the bores with layup oil & cover it

Bertsta · Answer

Engines are generally oily even if they have been drained of oil. The bores are the most vulnerable, being polished steel, whereas on everything else the surface finishing is not critical or generally stays oily. Give the bores a squirt of oil or WD40 or something, and keep them in a dry place. After 5 months any corrosion is gonna be minor surface stuff, and nothing to worry about, but protect the steel stat.

Aaron · Answer

Cover it with engine oil so it does not rust.

Dr Yes level 9 since 1999 · Answer

Not as long as it stays dry. Moisture is the only enemy. To be safe pour oil on top of the pistons.

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How long can an engine sit for?

7 Answers