Temporary Storage (30 Days or Less)

Temporary Storage (30 Days or Less) - Ops

An engine prepared in this manner can be returned to service in a short time by removing the seals at the engine openings and by checking the engine coolant, fuel oil, lubricating oil and transmission oil levels.

To protect the engine for a temporary period of time (30 days or less), follow this procedure:

  1. With the engine at ambient temperature and cool to the touch, drain engine crankcase oil into a suitable container. Dispose of the oil in an environmentally friendly manner, according to state and/or federal recommendations.
  2. Fill the crankcase to the proper level with the recommended viscosity and grade of oil.
  3. Fill the fuel tank with the recommended grade of fuel oil. Operate the engine for two (2) minutes at 1200 rpm and no load. Do not drain the fuel system or the crankcase after this run.
  4. Check the air cleaner and service it, if necessary.
  5. If freezing weather is expected during the storage period, check the antifreeze/coolant for required freeze and inhibitor protection. Add antifreeze solution to the cooling system in accordance with Detroit's recommendations. Coolant Selections and Maintenance
    Note: If an antifreeze solution is not required during storage, flush the cooling system with a good soluble oil (3% – 5% by volume) rust inhibitor to prevent rusting of the outside diameter of the cylinder liners.
  6. Clean the exterior of the engine (except electrical parts) with fuel oil and dry with compressed air.
  7. Seal all engine openings. The material used must be waterproof, vapor-proof and possess sufficient physical strength to resist puncture and damage from the expansion of entrapped air.
Parent topic: Preparing Engine for Storage