HELP NEEDED URGENTon the side of the road with radiator emptied

Tintop

Tintop

Active Member
my ? is how far could it be driven without water ; there is a garage a couple of hundred metres from me
 
It would be better if you walked to the garage to get some water then do a quick scoot. You won't get far without any coolant before the engine is damaged If the engine is cool you could start it and get some speed up then switch off and coast as far as you can. Then, if you haven't made it to the garage, do the same thing again but you do run the risk of hurting the engine. Maybe the garage will tow you or call your recovery service,
 
Thanks panky I got it home , I put water in it and couldn't find it leaking even by squeezing the hose , so I drove it home about a mile , still water in it when I got it home but it was leaking out the side of the water pump big rubber tube . Hope it's all ok . even when I was putting the water in it only took 3/4 of a litre to fill it so I dont think it was completely empty before filling it . I hope all is good . thanks again for ur help panky
 
oh sh_t I have just been reading up on driving a car with no coolant , so maybe I have effed my engine , yes I,m an idiot . I honest taught coolant was to stop ur radiator from freezing in winter. so how will I know if I have damaged the engine
 
I think you'll be OK as you still had enough coolant to circulate around the engine. You will know soon enough if any internal damage has been done as the engine will loose power and will push lots of smoke out of the exhaust.
As you might now realise coolant, and maintaining a proper level, is essential to keep your engine running at the correct temperature summer or winter and should be checked regularly and any losses/leaks investigated and fixed. Once you've cured your leak fill the system with at least 30% antifreeze to water mix and use a ethylene glycol based antifreeze - usually blue in colour. Don't worry if you put a bit extra antifreeze in - I use about 50/50 mix to make sure nothing freezes up in the winter.
Bluecol BLA005 Antifreeze is best the stuff to use but I get a similar Comma product from my local motor factors.
 
Thanks panky , really appreciate the advice. it's a bit of a pisser as I was on my way over to rub down and spray the van , it's taking months to find a place , ah well it would be no fun without the cockups . thanks again
 
sorry 1 more ? is there a drain tap for the radiator . or stupid? should I just top up?
 
There is usually a drain tap at the bottom - centre front of the radiator. Twist anti clockwise and empty a bit out and top up with a concentrate coolant - should all be good. If the van got back home without issue you should be fine so don’t panic too much :)
 
As Jim says there's usually one on the rad or low down on the left hand side of the engine block. When you do top the system up only fill to about an inch below the filler cap as you need to account for expansion, much more than that and it will just lift the cap and throw coolant out when it warms up.
 
she drove home fine but I went onto Google and that was it my life was over never mind the van . I even booked a checkup thanks for your help . I
jimberlake said:
There is usually a drain tap at the bottom - centre front of the radiator. Twist anti clockwise and empty a bit out and top up with a concentrate coolant - should all be good. If the van got back home without issue you should be fine so don’t panic too much :)
Click to expand...
 
thank u man I am just a worrier , appreciat the help
Panky said:
As Jim says there's usually one on the rad or low down on the left hand side of the engine block. When you do top the system up only fill to about an inch below the filler cap as you need to account for expansion, much more than that and it will just lift the cap and throw coolant out when it warms up.
Click to expand...
 
Up to you - empty it all and refill with the right mix of antifreeze and water (30% antifreeze - 70% water usually. It will tell you on the antifreeze you buy) or just let out a couple of litres and top up with concentrate anti freeze. You can get the blue stuff from most car shops.
Once you filled it get it up to temp and then let the engine fully cool down and check the level again to make sure it’s about inch from the top as Panky said.
Don’t worry all be fine :)
 
I had an old banger years ago when I knew even less about mechanics and it always leaked water and never topped it up properly and ended up cracking the block. I just disconnected the bottom hose off rad when I had to flush it out. Also if it happens again don’t put cold water into hot empty rad due to thermal shock damage. I carry water with me just in case. If you’re wondering why the blue antifreeze, the red antifreeze can corrode lead welds on old rads etc. Someone will correct me if it’s a different reason.
At least it’s sorted now and fingers crossed no engine damage.
 
Thanks for the replys everyone . I am keeping my fingers crossed that I didnt damage anything , well at least I,ve learnt something , I honestly thought antifreeze was only to stop the rad water from freezing , it also comes from the fact that I used to drive those more common Van's that doesnt have a radiator, ah well u learn something new every other day . thanks again everyone
 
Also how many bottles of say large I think 1ltr bottles will I need to completely refill rad taking water into consideration
 
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