Crank cleaning and storage...

[neonhomer]

I have a really dumb question...

As of this writing, I am putting a regular 4.0 together so I can drive my Jeep again until I get the money together to build a 4.6..

Anyway, to summarize, when the 4.0 was tore down, the crank was sprayed down with WD-40, and then wrapped in a plastic bag. Well, apparently WD-40 wasn't good enough, or the idiot who wrapped the bag around the crank didn't do a good job, as there is now spots of surface rust on the bearing journals.

Now, I know my friend who is helping me put the motor together is going to tell me "just clean it up with emery cloth". Something in the back of my mind is saying "NO!" and to take it to the machine shop and have it cleaned up.

Rod bearings are already ordered, but if I don't open them I can exchange them.

[Retlaw01XJ]

"just clean it up with emery cloth".

Wet & Dry sandpaper in a 600 or finer grit is okay for light rust removal. Use WD-40 as a lubricant.

I spray down clean parts with WD-40 and wrap them tightly in saran wrap . Oil or grease on the journals is an even better idea.

[IH 392]

RED/MAROON "Scotch Bright" pad will clean it up nicely, wipe it down and reapply light oil, wrap it up and stand it on the flange end, DON'T lay it down, you'll NEED to CLEAN! it before you install it.

[neonhomer]

What can happen from it being stored on it's side? Unfortunately, that's how it has been sitting....

[IH 392]

If a crank is stored on it's side it can bend, there must be some truth to it, EVERY! machine shop worth a spit on this planet either stands them up or hangs them from the flange in a rack.

[SilverXJ]

x2 on the standing up. The machine shop I work at stands them up.

I wouldn't used WD40 to spray a crank for long term storage. Oil or grease works, but there are better oils available for such a need.

[Missourian]

You can also wrap them in anti-corrosion treated paper and with the journals properly supported (crankshaft crate) lay it horizontally. Makes for easier storage and keeps it cleaner for future use.

[neonhomer]

Well, the 4.0 crank is going to the machine shop w/ the head tomorrow to be checked and cleaned up.

[neonhomer]

Crank is at the machine shop now. He thinks the amount of time the crank sat on it's side shouldn't hurt. However, he's gonna put it on the machine and spin it to check it, and while its on there, clean it up a bit.