FRFC3S

iTrader: (24)

Hey it's about to snow and I have been running mostly water for about a year now. I drained the radiator and I want to drain the block.

I pulled the plug and it's dripping out, and that is an overexaggeration. Isn't the block supposed to be most of the coolant? It's on a slight incline with the front end jacked up if that makes a difference.

It's currently 28* with no wind. I've been only adding water but when I drained the radiator it was still green so it's not like it should have magically froze at 32*.

Where is my coolant!?!

dot_txt

iTrader: (1)

If you drained the radiator (and let coolant pour out of the lower RAD hose) then you might have gotten most of it.. Coolant drain plug should get the rest.. Otherwise its probably frozen

FRFC3S

iTrader: (24)

I pulled the plug on the bottom of the radiator, which should theoretically be better than the lower radiator hose, right?

Is what's left being frozen going to be a problem?

Should I leave the plug in or out? I'm hoping it warms up a degree or two by noon and I'm going to leave the pan under the engine mount.

vrracing

iTrader: (1)

It might make sense to pull the thermostat and housing and pour some hot water in and see if it comes out the drain port.

If you've been running it for a year without anti-freeze (which should be thought of as "anti-corrosion" as much "anti-freeze") then it could be rust clogging it.

FRFC3S

iTrader: (24)

I have been running it for a year only ADDING water. When I bought the car it was 50/50ish.

It's 30* now ::crosses fingers::

FRFC3S

iTrader: (24)

LOL I PULLED THE RADIATOR CAP OFF AND IT STARTED DRAINING.

I'm friggin retarded, I forgot about coolant vacuum. Thanks everybody!!

pfsantos

iTrader: (1)

Don't forget to put the heater on hot when you fill the system.

FRFC3S

iTrader: (24)

Thanks, I've already got it set to hot and full blast. I'm not refilling it today though, too effin cold.

clokker

iTrader: (2)

I think that's a mistake.
There is still water in the block and it's more likely to freeze now since it's such a tiny amount.

Unfortunately, I think you need to finish what you started.

FRFC3S

iTrader: (24)

I drained the block and the rad and there's still some left???

clokker

iTrader: (2)

Of course, there's always some left.
Little drops, puddles and pools hiding in nooks and crannies that can't be drained unless the engine is rotated in weird ways.

Look at any pic of a motor teardown and you'll see coolant all over the place, even after the drains have been opened.

FRFC3S

iTrader: (24)

Well at least it's not like gallons or anything. I hope it's okay. It was still coming out green when I drained the block. Thanks for the input though.

clokker

iTrader: (2)

You're probably fine.