Starting Engine Thats Been Sitting for 20 Years

[jgraff428]

I have a Perkins 4236 that has been sitting on a factory pallet for 20 years. It has never been installed. It was sent from the factory New 20 years ago and stored in the garage since. Looking for suggestions on bench testing and or a good how to book on starting it after it has been stored that long. Thank you Jerry in Ft Pierce Fl

[Me-and-Boo]

Everything has one answer - it depends. It depends on the storage conditions; humidity, swings of temperature, vibrations, etc. It depends on the types of seals and gaskets used in manufacturing; drying out; shrinking; evaporating. It depends on whether it was test run; exhaust gases and molecules, remaining fuel, cooling liquid in system. It depends on whether there was break-in oil or completely dry.

Depending on how it was stored, I would fill it up with oil and coolant, turn it over a few times (without firing) and let it sit for a few days to allow those to get to the seals and gaskets. Then run it.

[Dulcesuenos]

I would squirt a bit of marvel mystery oil in the flow plug holes and let it sit a few days prior to hand turning it over any corrosion around the rings could cause more damage. If the engine was stored dry you will want that to help as the cylinder liner could have possible light corrosion.

[sdowney717]

Kroil dissolves rust better than anything I have seen.
Kano Kroil Penetrating Oil, 8 oz. liquid (KROIL) : Amazon.com : Automotive

Also comes in spray can

SiliKroil Penetrating Solvent, 10 oz. aerosol (SILIKROIL) : Amazon.com : Automotive

[KrazySailing]

How about asking Perkins
Perkins Sabre Marine Diesel Engines

Perkins Sabre Marine Diesel Engines

[zeehag]

i would freshen the engine--overhaul; it with new hoses and gaskets and make sure no corrosion occurred inside--then use it.....

[djmarchand]

Check the injector rack. It may be stuck.

Change out the raw water impeller.

Then squirt your favorite WD40 type solvent in the injector holes.

Roll the engine over several times with a wrench on the flywheel bolt.

Then pump in lube oil into the oil pressure sensor fitting. Use a hand or electric oil change pump. This will prelube all of the bearings.

Prime the fuel system and fire her up.

David

[Viking Sailor]

Originally Posted by zeehag

i would freshen the engine--overhaul; it with new hoses and gaskets and make sure no corrosion occurred inside--then use it.....

+1!