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Old 07-25-2017, 08:06 AM   #1
dpson
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Default Running engine without coolant

How long is it safe to run a Model A engine without coolant on a test stand?
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Old 07-25-2017, 08:14 AM   #2
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

How long is to long?

Did you every go to a casino with money you could not afford to lose?

Can't wait to hear what the experts say on this question.

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Old 07-25-2017, 08:30 AM   #3
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

not very long !!
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Old 07-25-2017, 08:38 AM   #4
Dave in MN
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

I build engines. If one of my customers were to do so, it would void my warranty.

To answer your question.. I would be a bit nervous beyond 30 seconds if run at an idle. Really nervous if run beyond a minute.
But I should clarify; I am kind of a nervous guy when doing something really stupid.

Oops...I should be more careful as I likely offended someone with my humor....so: Sorry!

Leads me to ask: Are you asking because you are just pondering the question or plan to or did?

Don't do it.

Good Day!

Last edited by Dave in MN; 07-25-2017 at 08:45 AM.
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Old 07-25-2017, 08:41 AM   #5
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave in MN View Post
I build engines. If one of my customers were to do so, it would void my warranty.

To answer your question.. I would be a bit nervous beyond 30 seconds if run at an idle. Really nervous if run beyond a minute. But I should clarify; I am kind of a nervous guy when doing something really stupid. Oops...probably offended someone with my humor....so: Sorry!

Leads me to ask: Are you asking because you are just pondering the question or plan to or did?

Don't do it.

Good Day!
Best plan.
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Old 07-25-2017, 08:58 AM   #6
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Why ? Longer than with no oil ! If a fresh overhaul, DONT do it, wait until it's ready
If done by accident a minute or less probably ok
Someone showed run an engine without a radiator, but he had coolant in his engine, and he caught heck for doing so ! He did have a temperature gun and was nervously keeping an eye on the temperature
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Old 07-25-2017, 09:06 AM   #7
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

I've started and run engines for short periods of time with no problems. But only enough to see it run, then shut it down. I won't keep them going for more than 30-40 seconds. People don't realize that the first thing to go is probably the water pump. This is why people start outboards in garbage cans filled with water. The same applies to pressure washers. If you have to start one without a hose connected, shut it down as soon as it is verified that it runs. you can wreck the pump but the engine will still run nicely. Not a great Idea, only do it when you absolutely have to!
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Old 07-25-2017, 09:09 AM   #8
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

Just remember when that engine gets hot that will take out the rings, maybe the clinder walls, the head. rings over heat losses it tempper. This take out you piston walls. The head gets to hot and worps. You just took out your engine. NO WATER<NO ENGINE.
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Old 07-25-2017, 09:18 AM   #9
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

Yes, this was in a chassis that I bought and the radiator has a good size hole in it. I wanted to see if the engine would run, so I started it and ran it for a short period. Far less than a minute, but wasn't sure how long was safe if I want to do some fine tuning adjustement. Sounds like it's best to fill the cooling system, even if it leaks, to run it.
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Old 07-25-2017, 09:49 AM   #10
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

Quote:
Originally Posted by dpson View Post
Yes, this was in a chassis that I bought and the radiator has a good size hole in it. I wanted to see if the engine would run, so I started it and ran it for a short period. Far less than a minute, but wasn't sure how long was safe if I want to do some fine tuning adjustement. Sounds like it's best to fill the cooling system, even if it leaks, to run it.
If that is what you are doing, fill the rad and leave the garden hose in and running letting the excess run out the top and the hole in the rad then run it as long as you like.
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Old 07-25-2017, 10:06 AM   #11
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

Beginning of a Self Test:

1. Are "all" moving parts everywhere well oiled with proper lubrication?

2. Did you hand crank this engine for quite a few revolutions where "everything" felt normal and you did not hear a big "clunk" as the engine rotation was halted?

3. Are you sure "everything" was properly installed and lubricated such that when firing up the engine for a few seconds, (maybe 2 or 3), this trial will not damage anything?

4. Will this short engine operation void "any" warranty?

5. Will your wife file for divorce if your temporary gas can leaks, the engine explodes, and your garage and house burns down along with your vehicles -- with or without insurance?

6. Are you willing to accept any losses or damages after starting this procedure?

7. No doubt many previous Model A owners have tried running an engine without coolant before for 2 or 3 seconds in days gone by; however, above are just a few "Self Test" questions only "you" can honestly answer.

8. Others may want to sincerely suggest a few more "Self Test" questions or what ever but there are always risks involved.

Hope this helps.

Last edited by H. L. Chauvin; 07-25-2017 at 10:12 AM. Reason: typo
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Old 07-25-2017, 12:31 PM   #12
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big hammer View Post
Why ? Longer than with no oil ! If a fresh overhaul, DONT do it, wait until it's ready
If done by accident a minute or less probably ok
Someone showed run an engine without a radiator, but he had coolant in his engine, and he caught heck for doing so ! He did have a temperature gun and was nervously keeping an eye on the temperature
That was probably me... I've run it quite a bit on my test stand lately again. Filled with water, watching with a temp gun, never more than 180 degrees, water never boils. It's got 130 miles of break-in on it now so takes longer to heat up. Maybe not the best of arrangements but hey... it seems to be doing OK. I don't have a fancy shop full of fancy equipment so I have to make do. Just like 99% of Model A DIYers for the last 90 years. BTW I was also told my stand was too flimsy to run a motor on... not true, it's holding up fine, was told this engine would leak oil like crazy, hardly a drop.
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Old 07-25-2017, 12:31 PM   #13
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

Back in the late 50's I had a 29 sport coupe (100$) and no money for a/freeze. no license (too young) and would come every day from school (in the cold winter), start the car and go back and forth in the driveway for 10-15 min............Warmer weather and water, no problems. Guess I was lucky.................FWIW
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Old 07-25-2017, 02:10 PM   #14
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

Anyone have a crappy old engine with a cracked block willing to run it dry so we all know???
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Old 07-25-2017, 02:38 PM   #15
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

un related vehicle. but jet skis that get their cooling from the jet and the manuals say 30 seconds out of water. they are a hotter engine but i would say 30 seconds is safe and any more could be dangerous.
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Old 07-25-2017, 02:52 PM   #16
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

IF you absolutely have to run it, at least cap the input on the side and fill the engine with water.
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Old 07-25-2017, 05:52 PM   #17
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida View Post
IF you absolutely have to run it, at least cap the input on the side and fill the engine with water.
And put your hand on the sides of the cylinders just under the water jacket. When the cast iron feels warm, shut it off. Internal temperatures will be higher than you feel on the outside and it's on the inside that damage is done.
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Old 07-25-2017, 08:22 PM   #18
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

Never, Never, Never, Never.

Herm.
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Old 07-25-2017, 08:46 PM   #19
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

How big is the hole in the radiator? If you are going to junk it or have it re-cored anyway use it to test the engine by taking a pair of needle nose pliers and pinch off the tubes above and below the hole and use as is. Once again how big is the hole?
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Old 07-25-2017, 09:50 PM   #20
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Default Re: Running engine without coolant

Remember, any time you run the engine for less than 30 minutes, you have just put a lot of condensation in the engine, and especially around the pistons and rings. I still have two stuck engines because I only ran them for about 10 minutes back in the 70's, then tried again 6 months later, and they were both very locked up.
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