rich5368

iTrader: (2)

Hits keep coming. Thermostat stuck yesterday and the car overheated. Parked it because it's too dang cold to be outside working on a car this week. Woke up today to -15 degree weather and a car with a puddle under it and a frozen solid upper radiator hose. Something obviously popped but I haven't started tearing it down to find out what yet. Anyone have any idea how screwed I'm going to be?

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

No way to tell over the internet.

But a proper mix of coolant and water of at least 50/50 should not freeze at -15 below. What are you running for coolant?

defaultexistence

iTrader: (11)

mostly Water obviously ...........

rich5368

iTrader: (2)

I bought the car in December and hadn't really thought about it. It was a Colorado car so I figured that it would have 50/50 in it. When I added some after changing the low coolant sensor I added about 1/2 gallon of 50/50. Windchills were in the -40 range all day but obviously it wasn't the proper mix.

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

That's why you don't use the pre-mixed crap! Who wants to pay for half water anyway?

rich5368

iTrader: (2)

Some lessons are hard learned I suppose. Never had a problem before. I hope my block and heads aren't toast though.

lncboytre_d

there may have been a problem that was "masked" when you bought it. If the coolant on the ground came from the hose and not the radiator or block, then you're fine. But the water will expand inside the block and you know what then. We could guess at it over the net all day, but its all up to you checking it out to find the real problem. Hope it works out for you

BlackBird87

iTrader: (6)

bad news bears

rich5368

iTrader: (2)

Yea, I have to get out in it when it warms up. I know it's something on the front of the motor that popped judging by the puddle and there is a nice little puddle of slush on top of the water pump and around the thermostat housing. I'm fairly certain the upper radiator hose is junk. Beyond that I'm just praying at this point lol.

defaultexistence

iTrader: (11)

hey! you should build a fire under the car to thaw it !!

jim ravencraft

Hi,
i would warm vehicle up with a space heater(SLOWLY). Remove hoses and thermostat to allow expansion without more damage. I wish you luck and no major damage. Lessons learned are remembered! Don't beat yourself up over this.
You are not the first or last .........keep the chin up...have a blessed day.........
Jim

rich5368

iTrader: (2)

Thanks Jim. It's supposed to be back above freezing tomorrow and Thursday. I can't put it in my little garage as my wife stores all her crap there. I'm just going to have to let the weather help me.

AChotrod

iTrader: (17)

ouch see if the freeze plugs popped

rich5368

iTrader: (2)

Ok. I took the intake off and unbolted the thermostat housing. After pulling the thermostat it seems that the coolant in the block did not freeze. I tested the TStat in some boiling water and it seems to work as advertises which sucks because now I don't know why my car overheated the other day. It seems just the top layer in the radiator (which was probably water vapor from the overheating) was all that froze. I've spent the last couple hours trying to figure out the source of the puddle of coolant under the car and for the life of me I can't find it. You'd think something that dripped a quart of liquid would be fairly obvious. The only wetspot is the TStat housing and water pump. My question is do you guys think it'd be reasonably safe to start the car and see what happens?

$750 L98

iTrader: (7)

You could run the car with the rad cap off and make sure it circulates properly, let it get to operating temp, look for bubbles or weirdness in the circulation. If the level drops, probably just fill it with straight antifreeze, couldn't hurt to have a bit more in the mix.

tricked94camaro

iTrader: (1)

that was my first thought. worst case scenario

safemode

iTrader: (1)

Maybe check the oil first too to see if those seals and walls were compromised. I would think that if the oil is good, then might as well give it a shot once you know there is nothing wrong with the flow of coolant (and you dose it good with straight anti-freeze).

quik95lt1

iTrader: (7)

bet when the radiator froze it pushed coolant back into the overflow which was prob already too full and it leaked on the ground a little...........thats my guess

rich5368

iTrader: (2)

Lucked out. Started it up and no leaks. Put a new thermostat in just to be sure. Let it idle and drove around some and temp stays low and no ill affects have been noticed. I let a huge sigh of relief when all that happened.

fex77k

iTrader: (2)

This is what mine did, except it was already a bit cracked below the water neck and it finally split. Oh well it's only 17 years old.