Next year the parts of the William Tod 34" x 68" x 60" cross compound stationary steam engine in Youngstown, OH will be moved from their temporary indoor storage location to our newly acquired future museum site and stored outdoors until the engine is re-erected within about 5 years. I am concerned about protecting the crank shaft bearing surfaces while the parts are stored outdoors. I have seen the use of strips of wood wired together around the bearing surface. Has anyone here used this method of protecting bearing surfaces? What is the method of using them? Do you smear a liberal amount of grease over the bearing surface then place the blocks over that, or do you place rags or cloth to help hold the grease in place? Or do you use some other preventative? How long might this treatment be expected to last? <p>Thanks.



Moving the Tod Engine

The wood strips placed on crank pins are to protect the polished surface from mechanical damage like bumps and scrapes. There are preservative coatings made for the purpose of weather protection. Grease seems to dissipate unless you recoat it frequently.<br>