[cozog]

It's supposed to be 1deg. tonight and wind chills in the -5 to -10 range.

LT1 bird is in non-insulated 3-car garage next to external wall.

Radiator removed in October. Water system flushed by running water from the top of the block (t-stat location) and draining out knock sensor and other drain plug. I then let all the water drain and refilled with straight anti-freeze.

Engine has never been turned over since rad was removed, just refilled, so no water pump action to move the coolant around.

What are the odds of the block freezing/cracking? What can I do to prevent it?

TIA!!!

This post has been edited by cozog: Jan 21 2011, 05:23 PM

[trackbird]

If you drained both sides of the block from the lower drain plug by the 3rd main cap (above the oil pan) and dumped anti freeze down into the block from the top and filled it, I really think it should be fine. If it hasn't frozen yet, it's not likely to start now. You could always drain it again to drain the anti freeze. My theory is that if the water jackets aren't full (or water can't freeze in a restricted space), it can't crack anything. So, the anti freeze should have already mixed with water and lowered the freezing temp of any remaining water. If not, having the water jackets empty will reduce the chance of water freezing in an enclosed space in the block and that should eliminate most of the potential for damage.

[cozog]

If you drained both sides of the block from the lower drain plug by the 3rd main cap (above the oil pan) and dumped anti freeze down into the block from the top and filled it, I really think it should be fine. If it hasn't frozen yet, it's not likely to start now. You could always drain it again to drain the anti freeze. My theory is that if the water jackets aren't full (or water can't freeze in a restricted space), it can't crack anything. So, the anti freeze should have already mixed with water and lowered the freezing temp of any remaining water. If not, having the water jackets empty will reduce the chance of water freezing in an enclosed space in the block and that should eliminate most of the potential for damage.

Interesting thought... I kinda ass-u-me-d that there would still be some pure H2O left in water jackets in the block, potentially causing a problem.

I like the heater idea, but just not with a heater. I'm thinking I'll use my magnetic work lights and stick one on each side of the block. That should keep the temp high enough to prevent freezing, I would think.

Thanks for the input.

[Sidney]

If you've drained the water you're good. Anything left will have plenty of room for expansion. I occasionally just drain the block after the last event and put water back in the spring. This year I actually ran a gallon of antifreeze through it as it's still running & moving.

Sidney