Starting Engine w/o coolant

[JoelF]

I am in the process of replacing an intake. I'd like to access the core plugs in the block to get all the old coolant out of the block. My question is this: will there be any damage to running the engine with no coolant or water, if only for a few minutes?

I am mainly concerned about damaging the water pump by running it dry. The reason I would like to run the engine in this state is so that I can put the car on ramps to get access to the core plugs. I would probably start the car, back it up, position the ramps, then drive up on them and shut it down.

Possibly I'd restart the car and pull back off the ramps after removing the plugs so that the engine is again in a level position, shut off and allow to drain fully, then restart and pull back on to replace plugs and button up the system before refilling.

Thoughts?

 

[gmjunkie]

I am in the process of replacing an intake. I'd like to access the core plugs in the block to get all the old coolant out of the block. My question is this: will there be any damage to running the engine with no coolant or water, if only for a few minutes?

I am mainly concerned about damaging the water pump by running it dry. The reason I would like to run the engine in this state is so that I can put the car on ramps to get access to the core plugs. I would probably start the car, back it up, position the ramps, then drive up on them and shut it down.

Possibly I'd restart the car and pull back off the ramps after removing the plugs so that the engine is again in a level position, shut off and allow to drain fully, then restart and pull back on to replace plugs and button up the system before refilling.

Thoughts?

Take the Fan belt off and Getter Done!! For a couple min. it will be OK!!

 

[Rudy's Stingray]

Greetings!

Make the most of your time.
I currently have mine up on (4) jack stands.
I'm waiting on my re-built brakes from Vette Brakes.

With it in the air, a lot can be done. While your draining
your coolant or flushing the block, its a good time to spend
getting up close and personal with your car. Degrease the engine,
undercarriage, transmission, grease your suspension, change your rear end
and transmission fluid, change the oil. Replace the headlights.

Oh, did I just cover everything I've been doing.
In addition to swapping out my intake, replacing the header,
valve cover gaskets, changing the distributor, spark plugs, rotor,
strip and refinish the valve covers. Since I had to put it in the air to swap
our my caliper cores at Carlisle and with the brakes on order, I thought,
what the heck, I can get a lot of things done in the mean time.

Have fun.

Rudy

 

[jims427400]

Theres an earlier post talking about 2 drain plugs ( 1 on each side of block) I believe it is a 5/8 hex. I thought my block was totally drained until I read the thread. Maybe from JohnZ or Barry b ut when I removed the passenger side plug(not freeze plug), I GOT SOAKED) bet I got another gallon or two out of block from both sides of my 68 BB..and never had to start it.
Maybe someone else will also remember that thread..

 

[Hib Halverson]

If a "few minutes" is truly that, don't do it.

If you mean, fire the motor and immediately drive it up on the ramps---like a matter of 30 seconds or so, you'll be fine.

But, I have to ask...if you want to get it in the air to drain the block, why not just put water in it, drive it up on the ramps, remove the plugs, back it off the ramps, drain it dry, replace the plugs and refill?

 

[Rudy's Stingray]

If a "few minutes" is truly that, don't do it.

If you mean, fire the motor and immediately drive it up on the ramps---like a matter of 30 seconds or so, you'll be fine.

But, I have to ask...if you want to get it in the air to drain the block, why not just put water in it, drive it up on the ramps, remove the plugs, back it off the ramps, drain it dry, replace the plugs and refill?

I agree.
Why take such a risk.
I also plan on draining my coolant -
as early as next week, based on my current
order of projects. Although I didn't see a previous
post regarding the drain plugs in the block,

I'm well aware of this proceedure. I did this 7 years ago on my 72'.
There is one bolt on each side, near the center of the block, directly above
the oil pan. After draining the radiator and as mentioned in the previous
post, once the bolts are removed, give yourself some clearance and
have a rain suit on because a river will flow.

After removing them, I would take to the local hardware or
auto parts store and get a pair of brass bolts and replace the other two.
This way, if you ever flush your car again, they will be a piece of cake to
remove. For sure, well worth the effort. This assures all the potential sludge and muck goes away.

 

[Whiplash]

Jack her up and put her on a good set of jack stands. You can do just about anything you need to do on a set of jack stands and most times you need to do something the car won't be running anyway. If you don't have them you need them and a good set doesn't cost that much.

Good luck!

 

[KANE]

Theres an earlier post talking about 2 drain plugs ( 1 on each side of block) I believe it is a 5/8 hex. I thought my block was totally drained until I read the thread. Maybe from JohnZ or Barry b ut when I removed the passenger side plug(not freeze plug), I GOT SOAKED) bet I got another gallon or two out of block from both sides of my 68 BB..and never had to start it.
Maybe someone else will also remember that thread..

Well, on the first TPI swap... I drained the coolant from the drain cock on the radiator. Then, I removed the drain plug from the side of the block...

WHOOSH!!!!

:L

Yeah, the coolant came ROARING out of the block and onto me. I put my finger in the passage and strained to reach the knock sensor next to me. I was able to get the sensor in there... but it was a lot of "fun" getting there.