frozen coolant system

[ltc86]

My buddy let his car sit this winter with mostly water in his coolant system. He needs to move the car and it is still below freezing here. The water is most likely frozen, will starting the car result in any engine damage?
thanks

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by ltc86

My buddy let his car sit this winter with mostly water in his coolant system. He needs to move the car and it is still below freezing here. The water is most likely frozen, will starting the car result in any engine damage?
thanks

May depend on if the water pump is froze.
Some the water pump is ran off of timing chain.
And if started with a frozen water pump could wipe out timing chain and valves and engine.
What make model and engine and year?

[ltc86]

1985 300zx

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by ltc86

1985 300zx

I would remove the water pump belt first.
And do not let the engine run very long over 2-3 minutes may to long.

[mmcleo11]

Time to add some anti-freeze as well. However, you may find that if the water has frozen, it will lift the cylinder head off the headgasket or crack the cylinder head.

Never a good idea to freeze water in a confined space as it will expand and crack all sorts of expensive items.