Storing a crankshaft

Post Mon Sep 22, 2014 3:57 pm

I don't know how true the stories are of cranks 'creeping' whilst being stored on their sides, so what's the best way of storing a crank for a long period of time? On its side, hung from somewhere or standing upright?

I was planning to bolt it to a flywheel (to stop it falling) and stand it up (suitably greased and covered).

Post Mon Sep 22, 2014 4:42 pm

Ideally, it should be left in a suitable engine block.

But yes, be sure to store it in a dry place to prevent rusting of the journals. A bit of grease on them is a good idea, and protect it from things being dropped on it.

Post Mon Sep 22, 2014 6:22 pm

Yeah I should've added 'in a block' as an option but unfortunately I don't have a spare block and when I do get one, I'll be using it as base to build the new donk.

So you think bolting to a flywheel and storing it upright will be ok?

Post Mon Sep 22, 2014 6:47 pm

Yes, or store it wrapped in a blanket in a suitable drawer/box/on a bench/strong shelf somewhere.

Post Wed Sep 24, 2014 1:38 pm

jmc330i wrote:Yeah I should've added 'in a block' as an option but unfortunately I don't have a spare block and when I do get one, I'll be using it as base to build the new donk.

So you think bolting to a flywheel and storing it upright will be ok?

I have a spare block though that might be borrowable.

Post Thu Sep 25, 2014 6:32 pm

Just a thought, when BMW have them, what do they do ?

Worth a question to them yeh?

Mart.