winterizing a 331

[bullet bob]

Hate to admit it, but I haven't even started my '53 in several months. And I don't see that happening again until next spring. So I thought I'd pull the plugs and drop some Marvel Mystery Oil in each cylinder, crank it for 1/2 second and lightly screw the plugs back in for it winter nap. Never done this before. My question is, MMO or some good 'ole 30w oil? 'Couple of ozs? TIA.

[fishnjim]

One could argue you're already late after 3 months, but depends how and where it's stored. 
If you really want to protect cylinders, my engine guy recommended WD40.  WD 40 has anti-rust moisture agents.  Couple sprays/fogs, turn it a time or two to disperse film on the cylinders/rings/valves.  If you want, run/drive it first - up to temperature.   Let cool then treat.   That'll get oil everywhere and evaporates the combustion water.
I wouldn't cold crank it much, defeats the purpose.   My take on MMO is why would anyone put something "mysterious" in their auto? but it has marvelled many for decades.   Some swear by it, some...   I prefer not to swear on any product at all.
If you use it, I'd put in a spray/mist bottle.   Liquid oil will just sit on the piston dome if you drop it down the spark hole.  aka wet compression test oiling.   Some of these light oils creep pretty good, aka "soaks in" => no such thing.
I'm prepared for flack...

[Cadillac Jack 82]

I've let my Cadillacs sit for 6 months without anything but lead additive in the gas tank and they've always fired right up the next time the weather gets nice.  Unless you're letting your car sit for an extremely long period of time you should be perfectly fine with just gas additive.

[Lexi]

I have used MMO and WD-40. Not sure what is best, but whatever you use I would try and spray it around to coat all of the cylinder walls. With the MMO I sprayed it using a syringe. I would assume after several months these products would drain past the rings. Depending on when you start your engine, you may want to inspect the cylinders or at least crank it over with the plugs out prior to firing it up. MMO is not compressible and you would not want to incur any engine damage if there is still some in the cylinder when first started. I have been told that there is the danger of bending a push rod if there is significant resistance from such still sitting on top of the piston. Clay/Lexi

[Jim Govoni CLC 20546]

You can use marine engine fogging spray. I used it for years on my boat engines. It always burned off fine in the spring at start up albeit smokey for a few mins.

[35-709]

...........  "I have been told that there is the danger of bending a push rod if there is significant resistance from such still sitting on top of the piston. Clay/Lexi"

  Connecting rod.

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

...........  "I have been told that there is the danger of bending a push rod if there is significant resistance from such still sitting on top of the piston. Clay/Lexi"

  Connecting rod.

Yes. It is called hydraulic lock and can happen easily on radial aircraft engines.
The odds of that on a car engine that has been sitting for months are slim but I agree with you and would still spin it with the plugs out 1st.
Then again I have always likes the looks of a belt with suspenders.

Jeff

[Lexi]

Silly me, that was the rod I was thinking of. I have not even got into the egg nog yet. Clay/Lexi

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I find it funny when the Shop Manual mentions procedures when Laying up, and people talk about "Winterising" when parking a car for the Winter and I can understand draining the coolant for long winter stays, as my boat engine gets drained of coolant at the Exhaust Manifolds after each use (Salt Water but fresh water flushed).  (Thankfully we don't freeze down here)

The shop Manual mentions steps to take when not using a car for a short time, and a long time, and anything over a month is supposed to be treated specially.   I read it twice, whilst in my Library, and couldn't believe the steps recommended.

My cars can, and do sit for 3 and 4 months without use, and start right up with no trouble at all.   When my Caddy sat for 8 months without use when I was crook, it also started right up.  My Ute engine sat for 2 years whilst I was repairing the body.

Bruce.

[dplotkin]

...........  "I have been told that there is the danger of bending a push rod if there is significant resistance from such still sitting on top of the piston. Clay/Lexi"

  Connecting rod.

You were more correct the first time. A sticking pushrod happens. Only time I've seen it is on a 58 Fleetwood. Much of what you should or should not do has to do with storage environment. Is it heated? Is it dry? Stuck rings will just give you a stuck engine. Heated spaces keep condensation out of engines which prevents rust.

Dan

[Lexi]

I thought that both could be damaged, starting first with the connecting rod, then possible push rod damage. Other components are also potentially at risk. Not familiar with marine engine fogging spray Jim mentioned. Sounds interesting. Clay/Lexi

[Jeff Maltby 4194]

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/tips/a24534/winter-storage-getting-your-engine-all-oil-fogged-up/

[Jim Miller]

I've fogged my boat engine for years at the end of each season. It's a big 1967 Chrysler V-8. I get her warm and pour MMO down the carb until she dies. Then drain the water jackets. But, it sits in on slings in an unheated boat house. My cars are in a garage that stays at 50 degrees, so I just change the oil, pull them into the garage and hook up a trickle charger.