Thoughts on 6-9 month engine preservation

[schule]

The Lycoming service manual has some methods for long term engine preservation.  Does anyone have experience with the best method of preserving an engine for 6-9 months?  My Mooney will be in a heated hangar in a cold dry climate.

Thanks,

-Mark

[jetdriven]

Mark, I would follow the recommendations to preserve the engine with preservative oil and dessicant plugs but with an extra bit.  Fill the engine with Philips Aviation Anti-rust oil until it runs out of the breather tube and fill the cylinders level full as well.

[MooneyMitch]

Lycomings thoughts on this are displayed here:

http://www.lycoming.com/support/publications/service-letters/pdfs/SL180B.pdf

[schule]

Thanks guys.

-Mark

[Kwixdraw]

The dessicant plugs are a good idea. Also find a dessicant bag for the exhaust pipe. One or more valves will be open so you have outside air getting into the engine. I have heard of people leaving a low wattage light bulb on inside the cowl to drive out moist air. That may not be the safest thing to do if it's not going to be monitored at all.

[Seth]

You may also want to make a deal to have someone fly it on a periodic basis during that timeframe.  Other components also have issues when left alone and not exercised for a period of 6-9 months.   Maybe someone you trust to operate the aircraft?  Bring on a short term partner for a period of time that you can have leave the arrangement upon return or a letter at any time?

-Seth

[Kwixdraw]

You will want to think about getting it up off the tires too. If it's just going to be sitting and not moved for 6-9 months. Get into the service manual and find the section on storage. It will have suggestions on fuel and battery care. Lots of issues.