Very long term storage of an engine

[MJK 24]

I've just picked up a spare Rover K Series for my Elise. It's just been removed from an Elise last week that is having a Honda engine fitted. It's only done 50k miles. I've only bought it as a spare, my own engine is A1 but the car is a keeper (owned over 12 years already). Obviously they won't be making anymore so a spare isn't such a bad idea going forwards.

What precautions should be taken to keep it in optimum condition? It's a bare engine with no anciliaries or manifolds fitted. It still has its oil in the sump. I was thinking of adding another gallon to completely submerse the crank in oil. Remove the plugs and drop a small amount of light oil down the bores and re fit the plugs. Then perhaps turn it over every 3 months and let it rest in a different position each time?

It'll be living inside the house, under the stairs.

[MJK 24]

Thanks everyone. I'll see if there's any coolant left in it and try to remove.

I'll drain the oil and refill with new and 'overfill' to some extent. I'll also remove the rocker cover and spray the cams with white grease or similar. And remember to turn it over once in a while!