Storing Spare Parts

[Tim Falce]

I seem to have accumulated a lot of engine parts over the years, I have 4 or 5 spare cylinder heads and numerous camshafts plus other component parts and most are stored in plastic containers in my shed and garage. Unfortunately these two places are not the driest of environments and a lot of them are starting to rust and corrode.

I was trying to find some of the waxed paper type of stuff to wrap parts in but have been unable to find any.
Does anyone know where I can get some or have any suggestions for any method of wrapping them to keep the moisture out would be appreciated. At the moment I am spreading parts with waterproof grease and wrapping in whatever I can find but this isn't 100% suitable.

[Dave Brand]

Rather than waxed paper, you'd be better off using a paper impregnated with a vapour-phase inhibitor. Try a web search for 'corrosion inhibiting paper'.

[GORDON STREETER]

"Carcoon" supply an aerosol that you can spray onto brake discs for a "laying up" period that doesn't impregnate the pads. But I would just use a mould release agent/WD40/ZX1 spray whatever you can get cheap and wrap it in and old sheet. Any smallish parts can kept in old engine oil or even big parts if you have a bigger container. My workshop in the UK is very damp in the winter and things will go rusty almost overnight. I simply spray engine blocks and ported heads with old oil that doesn't cost anything.
http://carcoon.com/csp%20fluid.htm

[Jeff 8]

It isn't good to use old engine oil as it is carcenogenic. New oil is much better, or spray on preservative. For often used bits like bare frame I use WD40 or the like, for longer term storage I use a spray on gooey preservative or gun oil as I live near the ocean and everything rusts if left alone.

I once bought a car cylinder head and the previous owner had sprayed it with a thick spray and wrapped it with cling wrap. It had been in storage for 40 years.

Jeff

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by Jeff 8

It isn't good to use old engine oil as it is carcenogenic.
Jeff

After working in the motor trade since 1962 with all that old original asbestos brake and clutch dust, I doubt if a drop of old engine oil is going to make a lot of difference to me now

[ian_w]

We use an anti rust paper at work along with a couple of Rocol sprays, the Z30 is particularly good stuff.

http://www.rocol.com/lubricants/engl...ection/z30.php
http://www.rocol.com/lubricants/engl...moistureguard/

I've stored some steel engine components in my shed for a couple of years now sprayed in Z30 and they are still in perfect condition.

[Jeff 8]

Rocol moistureguard, that 's the name I was trying to remember.

Jeff

[Chris Wilson]

What's the almost wax like stuff you sometimes get on new crank journals as a rust proofing coating? You can see a similar thing on the crank in this ad (and no it's not a devious free plug for a crank of mine, or one I get commission on... ) I too store lots of stuff that rust would just love to ruin, and fight an ongoing battle. The winter's the worst time, especially if I get tempted to run a none vented Propane heater as they chuck out as much water as they do heat

http://www.racecarsdirect.com/listin..._Mercedes.html

[Chris Y]

Could be Cam Lube. The Kent Cams version of the stuff that I've got looks that colour and is quite sticky.

[Tim Falce]

It wouldn't be the same sort of wax that is used on the paper that is laying under the crank would it? BTW, that's the type of paper I was looking for.

[ian_w]

Rocol Z30 is a thick wax substance. The MoistureGuard is a much thinner green coating.

Have you tried your local 'engineering supplies' shop for the paper? They should be able to point you in the right direction if they don't stock it.

[Chris Wilson]

Rocol Z30 is what I shall get, I mentioned to an engine builder I know and he also speaks highly of it. Thanks!

[bdwoody]

its very sticky ,but you could try "denso tape" we use lots of the stuff to wrap the hydraulic end fittings on dredgers to keep them servicable.it protects steel a treat and you can get it off years later.