Crankshaft storage myths

Hi all,

I have a question about storing crankshafts for long periods.

Vertical?

Horitzontal?

Hangued?

Why does it matter? I've been told that cranks can bent when stored horizontaly. Does it really happens? It's hard for me to believe.

Thank you

The way I look at it is crankshafts are made of cast iron, cast steel, or steel, and unless they're dropped or otherwise stressed, they can be expected to stay in exactly the same shape over time. As such, I would generally lay them on their sides. If you have several, hanging them may be a good option, if done safely and they will take up a lot less room if you have several.

My concern is two fold, with the first being if they could be damaged by rolling off the shelf, table or whatever, or if on end being knocked over as this can damage the crank - not just being bent or journals scratched but if cracked it may be missed and later fail in use. The second is corrosion - make sure it's well protected with WD40, oil, or other measures. The marine CRC should be good, but I've had other components that were doused in some of the other CRC products rust.

Others may have different opinions, though.