coolant draining
 

if i drain the water from the lower rad hosr does it drain completely so it won't freeze at -40 c same as -40 f as I don't want to add anti freeze thanks don't need a broken block

Re: coolant draining
 

As long as the drain cock doesn't stop from plugging, it will drain all but a few drops, so no worries. Poke a wire up the drain hole several times to be sure it all drained out.

Re: coolant draining
 

Tom is correct. There will only be a cup or so of water left, not enough to cause any freezing damage.

When in doubt, you can always pop the lower hose loose from the radiator.

Re: coolant draining
 

BTW, if you use just plain water, there will be moisture left after draining, so the rust can continue.

Re: coolant draining
 

is there a way from stopping rust or preventive maintenance

Re: coolant draining
 

During the summer I run just distilled water and rust inhibitor. During winter storage I drain a gallon and add antifreeze which I run for a couple days before it goes away for the winter.
For starting the summer season I drain it all and start over.
I'm just paranoid about antifreeze and babbitt on a 53 year old tired engine.

Re: coolant draining
 

i am not a fan of draining down a cooling system and leaving it for a prolong period of time. seals and gaskets dry out plus as tom mentioned internal corrosion continues. why not just fill it with 50/50 mix of antifreeze...

Re: coolant draining
 

As Mitch says, fill it with a 50/50 mix of good anti freeze which will also have corrosion protection. BTW, I have never seen any problem in any engine whether iron or aluminum that has been filled with good anti freeze which is changed o a regular basis.
Ian

Re: coolant draining
 

Instead of just going with 50/50 read the chart on the container to see what the ratio should be for your lowest temp. Buy the regular anti-freeze not the 50/50 mix and put the correct amount in. Don't forget to run the engine till it's up to full operating temp after putting the mix in. If your car is stored inside an unheated space it can get just as cold as being outside.