long term block storage

[hwoods]

what are some options for long term bare block storage to protect it from rust?  What are some of the solutions you use?  I have purchased a bare block and don't expect to use it for some time.  Just a routine of rubbing it down with oil?  WD-40 ?  Thanks

[Nightmist66]

If it will be sitting for quite a while, I would recommend coating the cylinders, lifter bores, main bearing bores, and cam bores(if bearings are out) with grease/Vaseline. Coat the rest of the block with oil/ATF. I put some ATF in a spray bottle to apply it easier. Put it in a large garbage bag, too.

[mbrunson427]

Cosmoline Spray. This is what Ford used from the factory to protect loose blocks

https://www.amazon.com/Cosmoline-RP-342-Rust-Preventative-Military-Grade/dp/B01MRRYF6N/ref=pd_cp_263_4/135-6589891-7989904?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01MRRYF6N&pd_rd_r=48904676-77d0-41a5-983b-f1484fc6f65c&pd_rd_w=8cbtr&pd_rd_wg=HEdjB&pf_rd_p=592dc715-8438-4207-b7fa-4c7afdeb6112&pf_rd_r=VWZG72FB3KNH27D6J03R&psc=1&refRID=VWZG72FB3KNH27D6J03R

[wowens]

Big tub and enough cheap oil to submerge block

[428kidd]

I have used this a lot with great results.
http://mobileimages.lowes.com/product/converted/081991/081991002075.jpg

[Chrisss31]

Fluid Film is an amazing product.  A must have for salty New England winters...  It's available in 55 gallon drums up here.

[6667fan]

The Cosmoline is heavy duty but seems to dry hard and become immovable unless that only occurs after years of sitting? The fluid film is fluid,(duh), and at least can be wiped off. Something in between is a product from LPS. Sprays on but dries to a thinner film than Cosmoline.

JB

[GJCAT427]

I have removed cosmoline with good ole diesel fuel. It softens the hard crust and then can be washed off. I have several parts block, crank, rods, and flywheels   coated with Fluid Film right now and it seems to be holding up just fine.

[Heo]

I use Swedish Armys gungrease. Before, when we had a army. You could get it
in 1kg cans. Protects,penetrates, dont drie up, smells good,easy to wash of. I saw a 60s BMW
1600 in a Armytown, that was rustfree, surpriced me till i got closer. Was a nice
sunny day and the BMW smelled like an old army Mauser . The gray original
paint was shinier around all the edges. I talked to the owner and he had heated
gungrease to get it thinner and poured it in in all the potential rust spots.Like the bottom
of the doors and fenderwells when he bought the car.
And every time he left it in the sun it still "boiled" out grease around the edges

[BigBlueIron]

Bought a can of this on a whim once to store a bare 390 block. I didn't have high expectations but I was very impressed even a year later. Kind of forms a gummy oily surface. Recommend to spray it down then come back the next day to touch up the lighter areas. 1 can is enough for 1 block even being very liberal in application. Fluid film is good stuff too, it is the absolute best thing I've used on battery cables. Highly recommend it.

https://www.wd40.com/products/corrosion-inhibitor/

[C6AE]

This is good I have been using it for years. It is also available in bulk (gallons, etc)

[Quisp21]

ACF-50

[babybolt]

Been using various spray products, including red grease.  Then double bag it and make a cheap dolly with two sheets of OSB or plywood and hardware wheels. 

[Falcon67]

The benefits of a fairly dry climate - nothing.  Put it in a bag maybe.  I have a 400 block that's been in the shed for 10 years, looks the same.  Same with the 4 bolt 351C block in the shop, it's not even covered.  Think I found that one in Austin about 5 years ago.  It's just dusty. 

[RustyCrankshaft]

LPS3 is good stuff and easy on, easy off.

Cosmoline is good, but the sprayable stuff you get from most places isn't the same as old skool cosmoline. It still works good tho.

I've seen cylinders still rust with just regular bearing grease on them.

A lot depends on the environment. A lot easier to store a block long term if it's in the living room and in a corner of the garden shed.