dumb valve question

[Bukowski]

I managed to become paranoid about my valves rusting from wet prolonged periods of time sitting- and associated components. I don't know anything about them except being a big project to deal with.

what are they made of?

[nynor]

your valves as in your intake and exhaust valves? how long are these periods of sitting?

[v2rocket_aka944]

i left a 944 crank outside exposed to sun and rain etc for about 2 months and the only rust came off with a scotchbrite pad and some wd40.


wd40 over the valves or just store them in an oil bath. or keep them inside and dry...

[Bukowski]

Yes the intake/exhaust assemblies. for argument's sake, say 1-3 months in a garage (intact engine), in water droplet-forming humidity. I guess I'd need to remove the cam cover or head to spray the valves, let alone rub a scotch pad on them?

Obviously I don't know what the engine being off means for which valves are in the open or closed positions.

[v2rocket_aka944]

If it's still sealed up, leave it be. Cover the ports and it should be OK for a few months.

If you're really worried get a few of those little bags that come in new shoe boxes that absorb moisture and say "do not eat"



and don't eat them.

[nynor]

bukowski, you are gonna have to give us more information.

is this engine running? in the car?

if so, my suggestion is to run the motor occasionally, maybe once a month, to full operating temperature.

is it not running, just sitting, waiting for work?

if so, i'd just leave it alone. it'll be fine. if you are really worried about it, pull the intake manifold and you will see the valves. spray them with motor oil, NOT WD40, rotate the crank a few times and spray them again, rinse repeat a couple of times, and call it good.

[Bukowski]

Thanks nynor. I suppose I could do that at some layer date anyway.

Car was fine when I started working on it last year, been sitting since then in garage. I could start a whole "should I start my car" thread too... someday...