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Engine Storage Tips: Warm, Dry, Clean Oil

Larry Anglisano
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Edited By:

Omar Filipovic

If you’re building an aircraft and plan to source the engine we'll ahead of flying it, store it right and keep tabs on it with borescope imaging, shown here. The tech has gotten better over the years, and prices have come down.

It happens. Engines—new and used—end up sitting for longer periods than we want them to. That’s not a good plan for longevity, especially in harsh climates with wide swings in temperature and humidity. And so is the case with our still-in-the-crate Rotax 912 ULS—sleeping in an unheated hangar as the rest of the Van’s kit comes together. The concern isn’t so much with corrosion, but more the drying of seals, O-rings and gaskets.

That got me thinking about guidance from engine makers, and what the factory limited warranty prescribes. 

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.