Travel in Cold Weather

[Colonel]

Picking up a car down South that has water in the radiator. Taking it to Minnesota where temp's are well below freezing. I suspect I may run into some freezing weather. Don't want any damage to the car or engine. Have enclosed hauler but not heated.

I can drain the radiator but what about the residual left in the engine that could freeze? Should I drain it down a bit, add some antifreeze, mix it up and go with it?

Any other ideas or options.

Thanks

[Clem Clement]

I'm just now changing a head for a guy who did not use antifreeze in his car parked in a attached garage. Drain out the old and add a gallon of antifreeze. Run the engine if possible to circulate the water.

[1crosscut]

You should have no worries if you drain it. Be sure that the drain doesn't get plugged with a rust particle while draining it. Poke a wire up through it to make sure it empties completely. Personally I would just go ahead and refill it with the proper mix of antifreeze after draining it and head north.

[Colonel]

Anybody have any ideas to keep an enclosed trailer above freezing during transport? If not, I will drain radiator as suggested.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Don't gamble with the engine. Drain it or install antifreeze, as all cars should have.

[trulyvintage]

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Originally Posted by 1crosscut

Personally I would just go ahead and refill it with the proper mix of antifreeze after draining it and head north.

^^^^^^^^^ This ....


Jim

[Bill's Auto Works]

I insulated my enclosed trailer & installed a power inverter, so if a customer is concerned about water freezing in his engine I can plug in the heater to keep it above freezing.

This is part of my Quality personalized single car service & one of the many reasons I am booked 3-6 weeks in advance at all times!

[burner31]

Two choices:
1. Drain completely an head North as suggested (quick and easy)
or
2. Stock the trailer with some "hotties" (as pictured)

And don't forget about security (Granny)

[ronn]

Picture number 4-Im pretty sure that's my wife!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JDupuis]

Lucky you Ronn....What's she making for supper? Lol . Jeff

[Anteek29]

Love Burner's sense of humor!

[3.6rs]

Originally Posted by Colonel

Picking up a car down South that has water in the radiator. ...

And why is there only water in the cooling system and no anti freeze ??
From the many dozens of classic cars I imported from southern states (most of it Fla.) I never had a car with no anti freeze. Remember that anti freeze in the system is also a prevention for rust.

[Sunnybrook Farm]

I would drain it and then replace with 50/50 water/antifreeze then you know for sure what is in it.

[captndan]

IMHO there is only one correct way. Drain it. Replace the anti-freeze. If it runs fine if not pull the plugs and crank the engine with the starter.. Good luck.

[redmodelt]

I for one do not understand bulking at draining the radiator if all it has is water in it. ? Is the water special? Maybe from the spring of eternal youth! LOL

[Bob Bidonde]

As you have a high degree of concern about freezing the engine in your Model "A," disconnect the lower coolant hose at the radiator. Leave the cooling system empty until you decide to run the engine again.

[katy]

He should have made it to Minnesota by now.

[redmodelt]

I was thinking the same thing.

[Bruce Adams]

Originally Posted by Sunnybrook Farm

I would drain it and then replace with 50/50 water/antifreeze then you know for sure what is in it.

I'm with Sunnybrook.
Drain it, bring a gallon of Prestone & a gallon of distilled water, or 2 gallons of 50/50 coolant, drain and replace and you can sleep at night.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Can someone post that "beatin' the horse pic"?
Bill Repetition