motor storage

[DeanR]

I've had my non-running motor drained of oil all winter sitting in the garage. I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't have drained it and should perhaps fill back up??
Even though it's not working, don't want it to rust up either, for parts usage in the future. Opinions or voices of experience?

[John]

I have opened up engines that have sat for a few years, and I have found everything inside to still have a good coating of oil. It doesn't just dry up. I would put some oil in the spark plug holes, and turn the engine over by hand to coat the cylinder walls.
Put the plugs back in and find a way to seal off the intake and exhaust ports, as well as the crankcase and middle gear vents.

[trbig]

Seal it up in a bag with several packages of desiccant, bury it in a time capsule. Dig it up in 20 years and you will have something worth something then!

Tod