[Mac88]

This may be a silly question, but I dont know the answer so I will still ask. While helping my son get his first car running(88 Mustang), we've acquired a few used parts that are still good. We have two water pumps, a power steering pump, master cylinder, two starters and a alternator. I know that these pumps have seals and or valves inside. What's the best way to put these up, so as to not damage the internals? I know there's nothing to do for the electrical parts, except just box them up, but for the pumps, should they be completely drained, or leave some fluid inside? I may just try to sale them out, but I would hate for some good components to go bad just sitting up in my shed.

 

[cullencombs]

I would only store the electrical parts. I my opinion the pumps are not worth the chance of installing 5 years down the road only to leak. If they offer a rebuild kit for the master cylinder I would tear it down, clean it and put some light oil on it.

 

[Mojo56]

Put some fresh brake fluid in the master...

Just store the rest in a dry place. I have parts on the shelf that I have saved for a decade or more... most will be good to go when I am ready to use them.

 

[GypsyR]

The master cylinder is the only thing I'd take care with. Just a dribble of fluid in it and stored so it sits in its natural upright position. Wrap in oiled paper like the manufacturers often do to stave off rust from humidity. Master cylinders tend to last years and years, expect it to sit unused a very lond time. I wouldn't bother myself. Fresh rebuilt ones aren't that expensive.
I keep a couple of water pumps around. When I need one then I have a trade-in core for the parts store immediately instead of having to take mine off before going to the store. I neither know nor care whether they are good or not, not worth the chance.
An extra alternator and starter are VERY handy to have stashed away. New/rebuilt ones cost markedly more than they did some years ago.

 

[MARTINSR]

But on the same regard, that master cyl will often last literally the life of the car. Many many years if nothing else. Why store something that you may never need, one, and two there will be a new one in just about any parts store for many decades to come? I wouldn't save it, it is just not worth it to me.


Brian

 

[LATECH]

I would save the alternator and starters, as if they work, they probably will 5 or 10 years from now.
The water pumps and master cylinders, save them if you want , dont expect them to work. Master cylinders need to be sealed as brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from anywhere, including the atmosphere. If it sets, on the shelf ,un installed, it no doubt will turn to crap, as it ill rust.Never use oil on any part of a master cylinder or brake system.
The water pumps may be OK a few years from now . The master cylinder and water pumps would be OK to keep for a core, or exchange when getting a rebuilt one.

 

[MARTINSR]

Yep, what LA said, that is what I have for my old cars.

Brian

 

[1971BB427]

Electrical parts will last forever if kept dry. The master and water pump will fail eventually and you'll have sotred them for years for nothing. My last water pump was $59 new (not rebuilt) and $16 for a rebuilt witout exchange. My last master was under $20 new.
Can't imagine what you'd get for used if you sold them, or if anyone would even buy them. I'd get neww and not worry about issues later. Save the storage space for parts that store well.

 

[Mac88]

Thanks for all the responses. Looks like a couple of things are going in the scrap metal bin.