Apher
New member
I have a used crank currently still in a case. I want to keep it for a project I have in mind. I have a top end I will put on it and seal up intake and exhaust holes.
My question is how should I store it? I do not want the bearings to rust and pit.
My ideas:
1: Is to leave it in the case and fill the case with 2 stroke oil to cover the bearings and seals and just let it sit.
2: Is to remove the crank and wash it all out with raw gas. Then just wrap it up to protect it from dust and let it sit.
Any thoughts or other ideas?
My question is how should I store it? I do not want the bearings to rust and pit.
My ideas:
1: Is to leave it in the case and fill the case with 2 stroke oil to cover the bearings and seals and just let it sit.
2: Is to remove the crank and wash it all out with raw gas. Then just wrap it up to protect it from dust and let it sit.
Any thoughts or other ideas?
opsled
Active member
Go with #1.
Oil is steel's friend. Being still in the cases will protect the crank as good as any other method.
Oil it spray everything (case and all) down with wd-40, bag the whole assembly and put it on the shelf.
opsled
Oil is steel's friend. Being still in the cases will protect the crank as good as any other method.
Oil it spray everything (case and all) down with wd-40, bag the whole assembly and put it on the shelf.
opsled
I would remove it from the case. Only because you are going to want to put new seals in anyway. Like you said, clean it up really good. Kerosene works well too. Oil all the bearings. Put it in a heavy garbage bag. While in the bag, spray it completely down with fogging oil. Get most of the air out of the bag and close it up tight. That's pretty much what I have done and had no issues. It would help to keep it in a climate controlled enviroment too. Also, when you are ready to put it together, have it trued.
sleeper_dave
New member
It's a good idea to pull it out of the case and check all the bearings, and check to see if it's true. But like others have said, just oil it up and keep it protected from dirt and moisture.
PZ 1
Member
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2005
- Messages
- 987
Might as well leave it in the case for now and do any work on it when you need it. Filling it with oil is good, but the top end of the rods will stick out, so I would put a metal protectant on them or slather them with grease. A zip lock bag would be good for storage. If you want, send me a PM and I will send one to you.
I bet youll get all kinds of suggestions, I just leave the bottomends together, spray it (exposed crank)with motorcycle chainlube and bag it in a leaf bag. Tie it up and shelf it, wont rust in a sealed bag and store that way for years if bag isnt ripped open allowing moisture in, works for me,never had a problem yet. 
IMO - I'd spray it with a thick lube like chain/fogging oil or Rem-oil, wrap it in plastic. For added piece of mind, include a desiccant bag or two before wrapping it. I use one in my gun safe and a couple in my Hot-Rod in the off season. To "recharge" just place it in the sun for a few hours.
Devilin AblueDress!
New member
Depending on climate you may want to avoid the plastic bag. Steel crank will hold colder temps as it warms up and then it will condensate water right in the bag. Sotring in climate controled or not? At the least I would pop the cases and lube it up with any of the above recomended oil.
Leave in the case for now, spray with a heavy type oil, bag it(of course remove all the air you can), put bagged crankcase/crankshaft in a box for protection on the shelf. If you have a location that has mimimal or gradual temp changes(tempered environment) place it there. Keep as far off of the floor as possible. Then when you are ready to use it and if you want to pull it apart to inspect or freshen then that is your choice at that time.
Just a thought... Have you ever bought anything that was of a raw material? Have you ever noticed the greasy film? That would be called cosmolene (don't know if the spelling is correct).. Just my 2 cents worth.
Just a thought... Have you ever bought anything that was of a raw material? Have you ever noticed the greasy film? That would be called cosmolene (don't know if the spelling is correct).. Just my 2 cents worth.
