Engine storage question

Ok,
We completed a model rocket launch this weekend with about 20 kids, that being said, I have random opened packages of motors everywhere. Do they need to be sealed in bags if I plan on storing them? Do they go bad? I know my black powder loads for my muzzle loader will go bad if not sealed up.
Just wondering how to store these.
Thanks!!

Steven J Smith said:

Ok,
We completed a model rocket launch this weekend with about 20 kids, that being said, I have random opened packages of motors everywhere. Do they need to be sealed in bags if I plan on storing them? Do they go bad? I know my black powder loads for my muzzle loader will go bad if not sealed up.
Just wondering how to store these.
Thanks!!

Click to expand...

I usually store my open motors in a ziplock bag, but that being said, I have launched 25 year old black ppowder motors that were just loose in a box with no problems. The most important thing is to make sure that they are kept in a cool dry location away from areas where temperature cycling can occur. Attics and garages do not usually make great storage locations.

Sealing them in a plastic container is probably your best bet. Then store in the proverbial "cool dry place."

I have a large number of motors 30-40+ years old; I have not noticed any unusual failure rate (beyond the 3-5% which is common for "factory fresh" motors).

Into Tupperware they go!!!

I found a plastic ammo case at Walmart on sale. Some 1-inch letters and an old Estes stick on logo finishes the 'look'. Been using that lately.

You can get nice “real” 50cal heavy gauge metal ammo cases off of amazon (either new or surplus). They’re not expensive. They fit all low power reloads and motors nicely and are air tight. I use these to store anything that could burn the house down while I’m sleeping and to transport motors to and from launches.

A fat 50 cal is probably you best option. You can get them at Harbor Freight.

Just doing the LPR stuff, nothing above a 'D' so don't need a lot of space.

When you've been in the hobby for awhile you just naturally collect motors. I've been flying Mod-Rocs over 50years and have a huge selection of BP motors "In stock". my mass motor storage is an all pastic foot locker. My field motor box is a converted metal transformer box with hinged lid and lift-out internal tray. I also have a 50cal. Ready motor box that contains motors and other field needs that are prepared before hitting the trail.

As others have mentioned: if you wish to put your loose motors in plastic that's fine. I have Oop motors from as far back as 1966 that are not protected other then being stored in my basement under controlled temp and humidity conditions.
The only thing noticed about OLD motor performance is the Clay Caps on many of the Older Centuri and Estes motors become so dry and dense ejection charges do not always break through. I've learned to scribe and X across the clay cap to ensure a clean break through when used.
In most tests it has been observed that the older motors are far closer to the maximum Ns impulse for a given motor class. So keeping and finding Old motors is almost always a PLUS for anyone flying BP stuff.

yowsa