Moth-balling an inactive steam boiler block

bowman

What is the best way to lay-up, store and moth-ball a small residential inactive cast iron steam boiler block so that it can be used again someplace in the future? It has been stripped of everything and is sitting on a pallet.
Should the exterior be sparyed with something to prevent surface rust? Should all the tapings be plugged? Should the threads be treated first? Should it be wrapped up tightly or loosely covered so it has ventilation?
It is being stored inside, but I want to make sure all steps have been taken to preserve it so it could be used again in the future with minimal deterioration due to inactivity. Your thoughts? Thanks

luketheplumber

just keep it dry inside and out

Grallert

not much will happen to the castings. The tappings will corrode so they should be plugged. put some tape and pipe dope on the plugs. This will keep critters out as well.

Leonard

All kinds of things crawl into holes and make a nest or die. Definately seal all holes, or you'll find mice nests and carcasses in them. Spiders, bugs, and dirt plugging smaller holes

Kids even put sticks and stuff in holes.

Dry out inside before sealing holes

Intplm.

Plastic rap on all four sides as well as the other advice given. The same rap used to secure deliveries on a pallet.

Intplm.

Whoops. That should have said all 6 sides

JUGHNE

I would make sure all the plugs will come out and then reinsert, just beyond hand tight, with never seize compound.
Everyone has encountered frozen plugs under the jacket and they are a bear to loosen.

Could the plastic wrap trap moister under it?

Grallert

Could the plastic wrap trap moister under it?
I agree here I wouldn't wrap it in plastic. I't will acquire surface rust but that's about it and rust will show up wrapped or not. The rust won't hurt it at all as long as the threads are kept clean.

Intplm.

I haven't done this but have seen other spray with a light spray of WD40 before wrapping.

Leonard

My experience with penetrating oil is it's so light weight it dries in ~ 2weeks

JUGHNE

Has anyone heard of cosmoline grease?
IIRC it was used to preserve military surplus gear.
Guns, tools etc.

Grallert

I'd be worried about coating the boiler with any protective substance. When or if it's ever recommissioned that coating is going to off gas and stink for a while, maybe a long while.

KC_Jones

JUGHNE said:

Has anyone heard of cosmoline grease?
IIRC it was used to preserve military surplus gear.
Guns, tools etc.

That stuff is a pain to get back off again (in my experience). My dad has some water proof grease, which is about as much fun.

If you want to do the over the top thing, get a large heavy duty plastic bag of some kind, bag it up and then put a couple PSI of an inert gas inside. When you are ready for it, it will be exactly the same as when you stored it.

The other alternative is to just plug up the block and put a few PSI of inert gas on the inside.

I wouldn't do any of this myself, but that is about the most sure fire way to keep it from corroding.

Intplm.

Off- gassing with DW40 ? Shouldn't be an issue.

pecmsg

Pluggs Never-Sezied
Low Pressure Gauge
Dry the inside with N2 and pressurize 1 or 2 #'s