Seeking advice on storing a Cylinder Head Long-Term

Shankzone

Hi all,

I have a Volvo 740 16v, and I'm planning to pull the head off for storage as part of a future project. Ideally, I’d love to keep the head together with the engine or even the car, but space is pretty limited where I’m currently living—so I’m leaning toward removing just the head.

It’ll likely need to be stored for around 48 months, and preventing rust is a big concern. It will be kept in an enclosed shed with a concrete slab, which helps, but I’d really appreciate any advice on how to store it properly long-term.

My current plan is to spray the head inside and out with WD-40 to form a protective layer. I’ve heard this is sometimes used when shipping high-performance engines overseas to prevent corrosion. I’ve also seen people wrap components in plastic wrap (glad wrap) to keep out moisture, but I’m hesitant about that method—it seems like it could actually trap moisture instead of preventing it.

If anyone has experience or suggestions for storing a cylinder head long-term, I’d really appreciate your input.

Cheers!

jamesinc

The most effective long-term method I've seen is to slather parts in thick grease.

Put it in a plastic tub with a lid, something to keep it away from moving air, and store it off the ground, and it'll be fine I think.

Spac

WD40 is a bad idea.
It washes away the existing layer of oil, and then dries off and allows the metal to rust.

I have been buying cheap aerosol grease from my local $2 shop. This seems to work very well.

I like James’ idea of a tub, too.
Just be careful of moisture getting in and then being trapped, particularly if there’s significant temperature changes in the shed.

GingerNinja

I wouldn't put car parts somewhere that gets really cold. Surface rust from condensation seems to form pretty quickly.

VolvoHordz

I've had heads (with valve cover on) sit up on a shelf for years in a garden shed with no preparation and they aren't any worse for it. Climate, proximity to the ocean, etc obviously play a roll.

I would just give it a good spray with lithium grease. For things like bare camshafts and crankshafts, I coat the critical surfaces in grease and then cling wrap them.

Sydney940

Just my two cents, but if you'd like to avoid moisture getting (and being trapped) in a container then maybe buy some moisture absorbers. Check every month or so and empty out any liquid that's been gathered. It'll keep the surroundings relatively dehydrated. If the tub is being kept in a location that isn't out in the open you'll want to keep the absorbers adjacent to the tub, but not in it.

Moisture absorbers usually have a hygroscopic substrate in them that absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment, however, it's important to note that they don't work nearly as effectively in the open air. You can buy a couple of different types and I've found that the small container style ones work better than the bag style ones and you can place them all over the place for compounding effects. Low humidity, less oxidation.

If you're trying to save some money too then buy the substrate material (listed on the item) in bulk. They're usually super cheap to buy in kilogram bags from eBay and can be used to refill the tubs over and over again. You'll save heaps in the long run